Trek Bruisers... anyone have any opinions?

[NoDubJustYet]

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bike...x.php

I'm really digging these bikes. I want something that I can beat the crap out of and have fun thrashing it in an urban setting, but can still take it on the trail.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these bikes?

I'm leaning towards the Bruiser2.

[cooleremail]

Here is what I ride. Mine is last year's model and came with FOX Float shock instead of the RoxShox

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bike...w.php#

When I started, I was 250lb and no issues what so ever. Plus TREK offers one of the best warranties on their frames, so can't really go wrong.

[NoDubJustYet]

awesome...

a local shop that a friend of mine co-owns is a trek dealer- they don't have any bruisers in stock so i was kinda curious. i'll check this bike out too.

*it is a little on the expensive side- i was hoping to stay under a grand, so we'll see what happens.


Modified by NoDubJustYet at 12:19 AM 2-5-2005

[NoDubJustYet]

here's another option:

Kona Shred

http://www.konaworld.com/shopp...d=182

Modified by NoDubJustYet at 1:19 PM 2-7-2005

[lobo]

Quote, originally posted by NoDubJustYet »

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bike...x.php I'm really digging these bikes. I want something that I can beat the crap out of and have fun thrashing it in an urban setting, but can still take it on the trail. Does anyone have any experience with any of these bikes? I'm leaning towards the Bruiser2.

Would this be ok for a clydesdale to ride?

[Beau]

Kona wins hands down

I have ridden a few Kona's. I had a Scrap last year. The geometry is really nice. The frames are a little more DJ/Street designed, but it will work.

I have tooled around with the Bruiser a little bit, but they are cheap, not to mention ugly (but that should never be a decision maker). The frame geometry is a little different.

Don't even waste your money on a Trek. With the Kona you get a good frame and good name. Trek slacks in many areas and the company in general isn't as good as Kona. Kona=Real people

[NoDubJustYet]

now to find a local shop to check out the Shred...

so is the Kona frame better than the trek frame? which components are better?

Quote, originally posted by Trek Bruiser2 »

Sizes 14.5", 16.5" Frame Alpha Aluminum Front Suspension Marzocchi MZ-Comp, 100mm Wheels Wheels Alloy disc hubs; alloy HD rims Tires Bontrager Earl Drivetrain Shifters Shimano Alivio Front Derailleur Shimano Acera Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio Crankset Bontrager Earl 32/22 w/bash guard Cassette SRAM 830 11-32, 8 speed Pedals Alloy platform Components Saddle Bontrager Earl Seatpost Bontrager Select Handlebars Bontrager Select OS, 30mm rise Stem Bontrager Earl, 31.8 Headset Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed Brakeset Hayes MX, mechanical disc, 8" front rotor, 6" rear

Quote, originally posted by Kona Shred »

Frame sizes 13"(XS),15"(S),15.5"(M),17"(L),17.5"(XL) Frame tubing Kona Clump 7005 Aluminum Fork Marzocchi Dirt Jam Comp 100 mm Headset TH Big Nut Crankarms TruVativ Hussefelt DH Chainrings Rockguard/36/26 B/B TruVativ ISIS DH Pedals Kona Jack**** Chain Shimano IG-31 Freewheel Shimano CS-HG30-8, 11-32 F/D Shimano Alivio R/D Shimano Altus Shifters Shimano SL-MC 20 Handlebar Kona DH Aluminum Riser Stem Kona Clump Grips Cowan Signature Brakes Shimano BR-M465 Brake Levers Avid Disc brake lever FR-5 Front hub KK Disc Rear hub Shimano Disc FH-M475 Spokes 14G Stainless Tires Tioga Factory 26 x 2.3 front/2.1 rear Rims Alex DM-24 Saddle Kona DJ Seatpost Kona Double Thumb Seat clamp Kona QR Color Matt Brown Extras 1st Production 'August 2004

according to Marzocchi's website the MZ Comp is a XC fork? WTF would Trek put that on a bike like the Bruiser??


Modified by NoDubJustYet at 5:26 PM 2-7-2005

[Beau]

Soon to be MN hunh? Where at?

I'm sure I'll get burned, but Trek sucks. They are a roadie/xc company. They still have NOT figured out what a good freeride bike should feel like.

Keep in mind that these bikes will be tough for XC, but it can be done.

Have you looked at the Haro Escape line? They make pretty good budget bikes, and you get what you pay for. I just got an '04 escape 8.2. It's awesome for XC, and still has decent parts. I will be upgrading it all as it wears out, but at least I can ride.

EDIT- One more stick in the wheel. The Giant STP is a pretty sweet ride as well. SUPER short rear end and a decent price also. My little bro just bought one dirt cheap.

As far as the forks go, they are both pogo sticks. If you're looking to buy a bike in this price range, try to find something that can be upgraded. The Kona frame is a lot nicer than a Trek frame.

I think I sold my Scrap for $650. The only thing left from original was the frame and seatpost. I had like $2000 in parts on that thing. You can find them on ebay or pinkbike quite often. I did a 12' drops on the Scrap too, it's a tough bike.

Modified by beau_layman at 8:55 PM 2-7-2005

[Uncalm]

I am a big guy 6'5" and about 240 and I used ot ride a Bruiser 1 the first year they came out, rigid fork etc. It was a fun bike. Too small to ride on any lengthy trails at least for me, although I did anyway a few times. Overall a fine bike.

I moved on to a surly instigator and now have a Craftworks Rail.

I would check out the specialized P bikes too, they are very nice.

[NoDubJustYet]

beau_layman- I'll be in the Minneapolis area, probably Inver Grove Heights.

concerning the bike- I already have a Gary Fisher that I ride for XC/trails. This new bike will be in addition to my existing bike, so its XC qualities (or lack there of) aren't that big a deal. I just want something that can take a little abuse and keep on going. I'm shooting for a pricerange of around $700 or so. I want a free ride bike that won't be entirely too heavy or have wierd geometry that will make it hard to take on the trail every once in a while.

i'll check out the other models you've mentioned, but as of right now I'm leaning towards the Kona.

[NoDubJustYet]

i scoped out the Specialized, Haro, and Giant...

the Kona seems to be the best deal for the pricerange I'm looking at.

am i going to need a different forkmount tray for my Yakima rack since this thing has disc brakes?

[NoDubJustYet]

here's some other options:

Gary Fisher Mullet $600

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bik...ullet

Quote, originally posted by Mullet »

Main frame Bigg'ns 6061 straight gauge aluminum | Reinforced headtube | Box section top and downtubes | Manipulated seat & chainstays | Cold-forged dropouts Fork Manitou Splice Comp | 100mm travel Headset Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed Bottom bracket Cartridge Crank Shimano MC08 42/32/22 Pedals Alloy BMX Front derailleur Shimano Acera Rear derailleur Shimano Alivio Shifters Shimano EF29 Cassette SRAM PG830 | 11-32 | 8spd Chain Shimano IG51 Front hub Shimano M475 Disc Front rim WTB Speed Disc Front spokes 14G Stainless Steel Rear hub Shimano M475 Disc Rear rim WTB Speed Disc Rear spokes 14G Stainless Steel Tires Bontrager Earl 26x2.4 Brakes Hayes Linx-26 mechanical disc, 8"fr/6"rr Brake levers Alloy Handlebar Bontrager Earl Stem Bontrager Earl | 10 deg. Rise Saddle Bontrager Earl Seatpost Bontrager Sport

Ironhorse Yakuza Chimpira- $???

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/...shtml

Quote, originally posted by Yakuza Chimpira »

CATEGORY EXTREME USE HARDTAIL FRAME ALLOY 6061 FRAME, 1.5 HEADTUBE, REPLACEABLE DROPOUT AND DISC MOUNTS REAR SHOCK N/A FORK SR XCP75 DJ 120MM TRAVEL HANDLEBAR DH BAR 31.8MM CLAMP STEM DH STEM 31.8MM CLAMP HEADSET FSA 1.5 TO 1-1/8 REDUCER BB FSA ISIS CRANK FSA ALPHA DRIVE RINGS 32/22 W/ALLOY BASH RING PEDAL WELLGO ALLOY PLATFORM CHAIN SHIMANO HG-50 SEAT SDG GRAN PRIX SEAT POST ALLOY MICRO ADJUST F. HUB ALLOY QR 36H R. HUB ALLOY QR 36H F. DER SHIMANO FD-CO50 R. DER SHIMANO ACERA SHIFTER SHIMANO EF-35 EZ FIRE PLUS FREEWHEEL SHIMANO HG-30 CASSETTE 11-32T, 8 SPEED BRAKES HAYES MECHANICAL DISC, MX-2-HD BRAKE W/ 8" ROTOR BRAKE LEVER SHIMANO EF-35, EZ FIRE INTEGRATED

Marin B-17 $710
picture won't link for some reason.

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicy....html

Quote, originally posted by Marin B-17 »

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicy...c.pdf

Modified by NoDubJustYet at 11:49 AM 2-8-2005

[Beau]

Ahhhhhhhhh....to many choices!

The Kona bikes are good for the money, but you're getting a good frame, with cheaper components. Something you can upgrade. I bought the Haro on closeout. Right now id the time to be going to shops and buying last years models. Ask the dealers, they can usually get closeout deals on stuff.

[NoDubJustYet]

is this bashguard essentially a universal item? i'd like to add one to whichever bike i end up getting. http://www.pricepoint.com/deta...26.98

i think i've narrowed it down to the fisher and the kona...

[Beau]

Bash guards can bought for just about anything

[NoDubJustYet]

sorry for all the questions... i'm new to the whole freeride thing. plus i haven't been in the market for a new bike in about 4 years.

[Beau]

........educate before you buy. It's better in the long run. So is spending more to begin with though

[KeithVH]

Quote, originally posted by beau_layman »

Trek slacks in many areas and the company in general isn't as good as Kona. Kona=Real people

Oh really? How so?

[Beau]

I suppose you work there hunh.....

Customer service.......dealer support.......product line.......

....Trek is Trek......nuff said.


Modified by beau_layman at 4:44 PM 2-9-2005

[KeithVH]

Quote, originally posted by beau_layman »

I suppose you work there hunh.....

Yeah. Along with a lot of other engineers, welders, painters, carbon layup folks, machinists, and other REAL people

[NoDubJustYet]

so.... beaulayman, do you hold this much animosity towards Gary Fisher too? isn't that company now owned by Trek?

[Beau]

Yup, they are owned by Trek too. Fishers are in the same boat IMO. Trek makes some beautiful road bikes, I (along with many) just don't like their designs as far as freeride/DH/street bikes go. They are still pretty fresh on this scene.

The title did say opinions were welcome. Some people love Trek, I see them as the next "Pacific".

I have toured the factory, it is without a doubt an amazing place.


Modified by beau_layman at 8:32 PM 2-11-2005

[NoDubJustYet]

when did Trek buy Fisher? obviously i'm out of the loop here... i'd imagine Gary still has the final say-so on bikes that are branded with his name, right? or are they just run of the mill bikes now?

[Beau]

Not sure on the exact date they purchased them They also own/distribute Lemond and Klein bicycles.

[Yellow Rabbit]

Trek has owned Fischer, Lemond, Klein and Bontrager for at least 10 years.

[KeithVH]

Quote, originally posted by Yellow Rabbit »

Trek has owned Fischer, Lemond, Klein and Bontrager for at least 10 years.

Correct. And all of those original folks (Gary Fisher, Keith Bontrager, et. al.) still have a say and are often seen here in Waterloo.

Whether or not a particular product is to your taste or has "street cred" is a matter of opinion. All I take issue with here, and the only reason I posted, was to respond to this notion that Trek somehow is not "real". I assure you that there is a LOT of passion and engineering that goes into all our products. A lot of real folks who care about what they do; be it a freeride bike, a carbon road bike or a fully equiped Euro "trekking" bike.

But this is getting way off topic. I'll go back to lurking now.

[Yellow Rabbit]

Quote, originally posted by KeithVH »

Correct. And all of those original folks (Gary Fisher, Keith Bontrager, et. al.) still have a say and are often seen here in Waterloo. Whether or not a particular product is to your taste or has "street cred" is a matter of opinion. All I take issue with here, and the only reason I posted, was to respond to this notion that Trek somehow is not "real". I assure you that there is a LOT of passion and engineering that goes into all our products. A lot of real folks who care about what they do; be it a freeride bike, a carbon road bike or a fully equiped Euro "trekking" bike. But this is getting way off topic. I'll go back to lurking now.

Say Hi to Mr. Klein for me.


Modified by Yellow Rabbit at 11:17 PM 2-12-2005

[NoDubJustYet]

i stopped by my local shop and unfortunately they don't stock the Mullet and it would have to be a special order. i really don't want to order a bike i've never used- but i don't want them to have to get one in stock and have me end up not wanting to buy it.

[FreeRideJunkie]

Give me a price range and I can work with you from there...

I and my buddy are the MTBers of the town and pretty much support the LBS. We ride mostly urban (pretty hard), hard trail riding, dirt jumping, and north shore, and hell some XC too.

I'm on an upgraded 2003 Kona Scrap (dirt jumper series) and he's on an old Trek Bruiser 1. I have to say that both ar great frames with the edge going to Kona.

What I like about Trek:

great service and great all around bike

What I don't like:

they put decent components all the way around for the money so when you upgrade to a certain level... you upgrade everything because nothing is spectacular (IMO)

What I like about Kona:

Amazing frame
Great components mixed with not so good components so when you upgrade... you're halfway there already

What I don't like:

There are fewer dealers and can be hard to get ahold of.

To put in perspective what we're riding:

My Kona Scrap is now worth about $2200

Marzocchi DJII fork
SRAM X.9 all the way around
hussefelt cranks
shimano disks (may go to hayes HFX-9's)

Amazing bike

My buddy's Trek Bruiser: ($2200)

Marzocchi DJIII fork
Shimano LX/XT
LX cranks
Avid disks

My opinion... go with this:

It's a great bike with no major flaw up front... down the line you may want to upgrade the fork, shifting, and brakes to hydraulic but that come with time. If you have a little extra cash get the Stuff instead of the scrap. It come in at under $1000 and comes with hydraulic brakes. Here you wouldn't need to upgrade the fork either (unless of course you wanted to) and shifting would still need to be upgraded about a year or so down the line. To put inperspective what you would need for the bruiser... my frind doesn't have anything stock left on his bike. Go Kona.

Hope I helped... if you have any questions feel free to IM me.