Trek 820
As far as good mountain bikes go the Trek 820 is perfect for beginners who purchase with intent to upgrade and is great value for money. This bike is strong, durable, and as capable as you are. The bike is made of steel so it’s heavier than some but that can make it more stable when traversing over rocks or roots and it can take quite a few hits which is great if you are new to the sport. The tires are designed for road and off pavement riding and they can loose traction in rough situations. The tires actually have great traction on the road and the whole set up makes it a great commuter bike but if you intend to do more off road riding than commuting it’s not a bad idea to get some off road tires.
2011 Trek 820 – Specifications
| TYPE OF FRAME | Trek Custom Steel w/chromoly seat tube, replaceable derailleur hanger |
| FORK | SR Suntour M-2025 w/coil spring, 63mm travel |
| SIZES | 13”, 16”, 18”, 19.5”, 21’ |
| CRANK | Forged alloy 3 piece, 48/38/28 |
| BOTTOM BRACKET | Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68/118mm |
| SHIFTERS | Shimano EF40, 7 speed |
| COG SET | Shimano TZ31 14-34, 7 speed |
| CHAIN | |
| FRONT DERAILLEUR | Shimano TX |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | Shimano TX35 |
| RIMS | Bontrager 550 36-hole rims w/machined sidewalls |
| FRONT HUB | Formula FM21 alloy front hub |
| REAR HUB | FM31 alloy rear hub |
| SPOKES | |
| NIPPLES | |
| TIRES | Bontrager LT3, 26×2.0″ |
| PEDALS | Wellgo nylon platform |
| FRONT BRAKE | Tektro linear-pull brakes |
| REAR BRAKE | Tektro linear-pull brakes |
| BRAKE LEVERS | Shimano EF40 levers |
| HANDLEBAR | Bontrager Riser, 25.4mm, 30mm rise |
| STEM | Bontrager Forged, 25.4mm |
| HEADSET | 1-1/8″ threadless |
| GRIPS | Bontrager SSR |
| SADDLE | Bontrager SSR |
| SEAT POST | Bontrager SSR, 31.6mm, 20mm offset |
| SEAT CLAMP | Alloy QR, nylon washer |
| NOTES | Matte Metallic Black |
Trek 820 – Great hardtail for kicking around town
The Trek 820 is an excellent bike for the price and a good mountain bike for the average rider, but if you are a bit more serious about trails I would suggest upgrading tires, shocks and derailleurs as needed. It’s a great bike for beginners and one of the ten best mountain bikes under $500 that you can buy. As far as good mountain bikes go you should at least give it a test ride before you set your mind on getting a different bike.
