trek 6500 slr

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Trek 6500 Bike: Comprehensive Review and Pricing

October 24, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 6500 is a versatile mountain bike, ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders.
• With a durable aluminum frame and high-quality components, it promises longevity and consistent performance.
• While designed for mountain terrains, with some modifications, the Trek 6500 can also serve as a comfortable road bike.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ As mountain biking enthusiasts, we know the importance of finding the perfect bike for your needs. That's why we decided to take a look at the Trek 6500.

The Trek 6500 is a versatile mountain bike tailored for both new and seasoned riders. Boasting a durable aluminum frame, it stands out in performance and reliability. It is designed for challenging terrains and performs commendably on roads, making it a top choice among mountain biking enthusiasts.

We've ridden this bike through various terrains and conditions, paying close attention to its frame, suspension, brakes, and components. As we dive into the details in this review, we will discuss everything from the front fork and Shimano Deore derailleurs to the disc brakes and overall ride quality. So, join us as we explore the ins and outs of the Trek 6500 and find out if it's the right choice for you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek 6500 Bike: An Overview

The Trek 6500 stands as a testament to Trek's dedication to producing high-quality mountain bikes tailored for both beginners and seasoned riders. With its robust frame, responsive handling, and trail-ready components, it easily distinguishes itself from other mountain bikes in its class.

Designed to tackle challenging terrains with ease, the 6500 ensures every off-road adventure is met with unmatched performance and reliability. Whether you're hitting steep inclines or navigating tricky descents, this bike promises an exhilarating and secure ride.

The Trek 6500 is equipped with reliable gears and brakes, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the conditions. For those who demand more from their rides, the 6500 is a worthy contender in the mountain biking arena.

Key Features and Specifications

The Trek 6500 mountain bike is an excellent choice for riders looking for a versatile and reliable bike. Its lightweight aluminum frame offers a smooth and responsive ride on various terrains.

This bike is equipped with a front suspension fork to handle bumps and technical singletrack easily. Its Shimano Deore components provide reliable shifting and braking performance.

Some of the standout features of this mountain bike include:

• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Suspension fork for smooth rides on rough terrain
• Shimano Deore components for reliable shifting and braking
• Suitable for cross-country and trail riding

Riders will also appreciate the durable and lightweight wheels, which offer good traction on various surfaces like gravel and sand. Combined with the comfortable and adjustable seat, this bike is perfect for long rides and exploring new trails.

History and Brand Value

Trek is a well-known and trusted brand in the mountain biking world. They have been producing high-quality bikes for over four decades, and the Trek 6500 is no exception. Despite being over 15 years old, the Trek 6500 remains a good value for mountain bikers.

The history of this bike and its performance on trails have helped build the brand's reputation for producing reliable and enjoyable mountain bikes. Riders who choose the Trek 6500 can be confident in their decision, knowing they are investing in a bike from a reputable company with a long-standing history of excellence.

Detailed Trek 6500 Performance Analysis

Performance and ride quality.

Our experience with the Trek 6500 mountain bike has been nothing short of amazing. The bike's performance on trails is exceptional, tackling technical singletracks and long rides with ease.

Its Shimano Deore components provide a smooth and responsive drivetrain, allowing for efficient pedaling on climbs and flat terrain. The suspension system, consisting of a front fork, offers excellent shock absorption.

This allows the rider to maintain control and confidence when navigating corners, bumps, and hills. Additionally, the bike is equipped with disc brakes, providing reliable stopping power in various riding conditions.

Durability and Longevity

We found the Trek 6500's frame to be incredibly durable, and capable of withstanding rough trails and harsh riding conditions. The wheels and rims also contribute to the bike's longevity.

They have been built to endure the demands of mountain biking. We believe that this bike will last for many years, making it a suitable investment for riders who want a reliable and lasting mountain bike.

Workmanship and Design

The design of the Trek 6500 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The top tube is sleek and modern, while the frame's geometry provides excellent handling and maneuverability.

The components, such as the front derailleur and rear derailleur, are of high quality and have been thoughtfully integrated into the overall design. Here are some standout features of the bike:

• Frame: Lightweight and sturdy for optimal performance
• Suspension system: Front fork for improved shock absorption and comfort
• Components: High-quality Shimano Deore parts for optimal functionality
• Wheels: Durable and versatile for various trail conditions

Comfort and User Experience

Riding the Trek 6500 mountain bike has been an enjoyable and fun experience for us. The seat and body positioning make long rides comfortable, and the responsive suspension helps absorb bumps and impacts from rough terrain.

We have found the bike to be suitable for both beginner and advanced riders, as it offers a great balance between performance and comfort. Moreover, the bike's lightweight design and agile handling make it easy to maneuver on different types of trails.

This includes gravel, sand, and technical singletrack. This adaptability, combined with its durable components and frame, makes the Trek 6500 an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a high-quality mountain bike without breaking the bank.

Our Experience Riding The Trek 6500

This section will discuss our experience riding the Trek 6500 mountain bike, focusing on its performance in various situations. We'll cover its descending and climbing abilities, road performance, and braking and handling features.

Descending & Climbing

The Trek 6500 is an excellent choice for mountain biking enthusiasts who love tackling steep climbs and fast descents. With a solid frame and good suspension, the bike easily handles technical singletrack and rugged terrain.

Its front fork provides sufficient shock absorption to keep riders comfortable, helping maintain control and traction on rocky trails.

When it comes to climbing, the Trek 6500's lightweight and responsive drivetrain gives riders an advantage on steep inclines. The smooth-shifting Shimano Deore front derailleur ensures reliable gear changes, allowing us to preserve our energy for tougher sections of the trail.

Road Performance

While primarily designed for off-road terrains, the Trek 6500 performs reasonably well on paved surfaces too. We found that it offers a comfortable ride for longer distances, thanks to its well-balanced frame and sturdy wheels.

Its versatile range of gears can adapt to varying gradients, though it's important to note that the bike's knobby tires are more suitable for trails than for smooth roads.

Braking & Handling

The Trek 6500 bike comes with disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in various conditions, be it muddy trails or fast descents. We appreciate the bike's strong braking performance, which instilled confidence while navigating technical sections and sharp corners.

In terms of handling, the bike's light and stiff frame responds well to rider input. Its wide handlebars and well-placed controls ensure that maintaining control in tight spots and navigating switchbacks is no trouble at all.

Can I Use My Trek 6500 On The Road?

While the Trek 6500 is primarily designed as a mountain bike, it's versatile enough to handle on-road conditions easily. Its robust frame and durable components ensure a smooth and reliable ride, whether you're navigating city streets or countryside roads.

The wider tires, typical of mountain bikes, provide increased stability and comfort on the pavement, especially over uneven surfaces or potholes. However, it's worth noting that the knobby tread pattern, ideal for off-road traction, might result in slightly more rolling resistance on smooth surfaces compared to pure road bikes.

If you're considering using the Trek 6500 predominantly on roads, you might want to invest in hybrid or road-specific tires for a more efficient and faster ride. With minor adjustments, the Trek 6500 can serve as a competent and comfortable on-road companion.

How Long Will The Trek 6500 Last?

Durability and longevity are cornerstones of the Trek brand, and the 6500 is no exception. Constructed with a high-grade aluminum frame, it's built to withstand the rigors of mountain biking, from rocky trails to mud-laden paths.

The bike's components, from the drivetrain to the suspension system, are chosen for their resilience and reliability. The Trek 6500 can serve avid mountain bikers for many years with proper maintenance and regular check-ups.

However, it's important to note that the bike's lifespan can vary based on usage intensity, rider's care, and external conditions. But given its robust construction and the brand's reputation for quality, one can confidently expect the 6500 to be a long-term companion on the trails.

Is The Trek 6500 Worth Buying?

Value for money is a critical factor when considering any mountain bike, and the Trek 6500 shines in this department. It offers a blend of top-notch features, comfort, and performance at a competitive price point.

The bike's design caters to both casual riders and those seeking more intense off-road experiences, making it versatile for various terrains and rider preferences. Its responsive handling, sturdy frame, and reliable components ensure a consistently enjoyable ride.

Moreover, Trek's long-standing reputation in cycling guarantees post-purchase support and easy access to spare parts or upgrades. Other reviews would support this analysis because this dependable mountain bike blends durability and performance.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

PedalChef is a blog on all things cycling. We are a group of people who love bikes, and we want to share the joy that comes with the experience. You can read more about us here .

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Is The Trek 6500 A Good Mountain Bike? [Review]

Table of Contents

Despite the fact that the Trek 6500 is over 15 years old, it is a good mountain bike.

Since a reader emailed me and asked me to review the Trek 6500 for him, I haven’t ridden this mountain bike and had to find Brendan in Detroit to give him some insight into what it’s like to ride the Trek 6500.

Below, I’ll go over the descending and climbing performance, key features, components, and specs of this mountain bike, as well as how it compares to other mountain bikes.

Welcome to the Best Bike blog, so let’s get started right away.

Trek 6500 Specs

The following ride experience was communicated by Brendan and the blogger, and the blogger completed the corresponding record.

The Trek 6500 setup still appears to be low, but consider that this was an entry-level mountain bike 15 years ago.

Brendan enjoys riding on rough trails, and to give me a more accurate description, he had to ride 15 miles to reach a trail ride where he could quickly descend.

It is possible to descend quickly on the hills of Lindau with a slightly steeper head tube angle, 100mm shock fork, and entry-level 2.2-inch front tire. Because all Trek 6500 configurations are at the low end of the mid-range (some are upgrades needed to get there).

When descending small trails, the 26″ small size tires are very flexible. Even in the corners, the direction is constantly changing. Because the ride is very responsive without the grip of larger tires, some riders prefer the smaller size.

Brendan’s complaint about the Trek 6500 was that it slid sideways when descending on loose ground. When I spoke with him, I told him that it would be better to change the tires to wider tires.

But, because he rarely rides in such terrain, he didn’t think to change the tires. As a result, the Trek 6500 is suitable for hard ground descents, and the steering agility and fork damping on descents are excellent.

Because of the Trek 6500’s 26×2.2″ tires and multiple gears, hardtail mountain bikes have an advantage over softtail mountain bikes when it comes to climbing. Smooth slopes on trails are not difficult to climb, and even rough slopes can be easily climbed with the help of Bontrager tires.

When riding on smooth slopes, 100mm shock forks with knobs can be adjusted to provide appropriate shock travel, ensuring that your efforts are not wasted. When climbing steep hills, the 3*9 gear system, which can be switched to the lowest gear, provides enough uphill traction to climb, but it does not appear to be an easy climb.

So I don’t think the Trek 6500 is a very good fit for mountain biking on steep hill climbs.

But Brendan had a lot of fun speeding up on flat trails and then going for fast climbs, so the Trek 6500 mountain bike is perfect for mountain climbs that are not technically difficult.

General Roads

Many readers may be under the mistaken impression that mountain bikes perform best in mountainous terrain.

Flat or undulating hills, on the other hand, are the most commonly ridden roads on mountain bikes, and are frequently the preferred terrain for riders who don’t want to be constantly on the limit.

Yellow grass trails, winding wilderness trails, and the occasional small rock make for a fun time for mountain bikers traveling with friends, and the Trek 6500 is a favorite on such trails.

The 26″ small tires are small enough to get around large rocks, but the shock fork is also very good at reducing ground impact in rolling terrain. The shock fork is constantly reducing the ground’s impact.

A water bottle holder can be mounted on the frame, allowing you to take your sports drink and ride to new places.

The Trek 6500 has a reserved rear rack and mudguard mount, and it outperforms the average commuter bike on city roads, not only in terms of tire grip, but also in gearing combinations that rival those found on road bikes.

As a result, the Trek 6500 is an excellent choice for general mountain or commuter road performance.

Main Features

Alpha slr aluminum frame.

The Trek 6500’s aluminum frame is lightweight. The Alpha SLR Aluminum frame weighs only 3.6 pounds, which puts it right in the middle of the weight range for aluminum frames.

It is stiff enough to accommodate 26″ tires, and the width can be increased to a maximum of 2.4″. The 2006 Trek 6500 is finished in ruby blue and has a lively appearance. The frame, which can be used for more than ten years, is not only strong but also corrosion-resistant.

Shimano Deore drivetrain

The Shimano Deore drivetrain, which is not considered low-end at the moment, is of very high quality, and the Trek 6500 is equipped with a complete Shimano Deore. The Trek 6500 had a 3X9 drivetrain in 2006, but it has been a 3X10 drivetrain since 2010.

However, the price has risen, and I don’t believe it is particularly cost-effective. 1X drivetrains are popular today, and almost all of them do away with the front derailleur chainstays in an effort to simplify riding and to hell with complicated gear systems.

Riding a 3X drivetrain bike car didn’t feel particularly different to me, but a 1X mountain bike gives you more confidence to ride your best in technical singletrack.

Bontrager Jones ACX Tires

Because these tires are tubed, the tire pressure requirements aren’t excessive.

However, I prefer the 27.5 “pneumatic tires Despite the Trek 6500’s 26*2.2 “Tires greatly aid in steering and technical climbing.

The 27.5″ tires are the middle size between the 29″ tires and fit a wider range of heights, as well as having many advantages for riding speed, including fast climbs. However, the Trek 6500’s tires were already quite good at the time, and the size of the tire button would perform admirably on hard ground and gravel.

Puncture resistance is also fairly good.

The Trek 6500 had two versions of brakes in terms of accessories. One is the brake of alloy pulling line, this kind of rim brake, cheaply built, at that time the braking effect in ordinary terrain and mechanical disc brake is not much different.

At that time, it was not suitable for some fast descending terrain as I mentioned above. The other is the Trek 6500 Disc with mechanical disc brakes, which can be configured for technical singletrack or forest road riding.

Although brake upgrades are not expensive, I still prefer a mountain bike with disc brakes that can be ridden in the mountains with easier stops and no worries about riding.

If you go with the Trek 6500, you can upgrade it with appropriate disc brakes from Amazon. The budget can be as low as $100.

The Manitou Axel Comp 80mm travel shock fork was still available on the Trek 6500 in 2005. The Trek 6500, however, has a 100mm travel fork since 2006. This is what makes it more suitable for trail riding and, according to other reviews, the most affordable trail mountain bike.

That’s because it was improved incrementally each year until it reached the configuration preferred by trail riders in 2006. It’s also not expensive.

The Trek 6500’s fork is excellent on a variety of terrains, but in intense mountain riding, it may appear inadequate because, as mountain biking has evolved, high-end cross-country or speedy mountain bikes have reached 120mm of travel or more.

These days, 100mm travel forks seem a little short. If you’re looking for a beginner mountain bike, a 100mm or 80mm travel fork will suffice.

Bontrager Select seat and handlebars

Trek still uses Bontrager Select seat and handlebar parts in mountain bikes under $2,000 these days, and the parts are strong and durable enough that there’s not much to complain about.

However, I prefer the gel seat for long rides or mountain riding, and it’s beneficial to have less seat impact on the body. If you only plan on riding short distances, the Trek 6500 seat will suffice.

Benefits of the Trek 6500

• Affordable price
• Off-road mountain bike with versatility
• 100mm travel shock fork for entry-level cross-country
• 26*2.2″ tires for agile steering and strong grip
• Sturdy and durable handlebars
• Peace of mind after-sales service, up to 10 years frame warranty

What we don’t like about it

• 26″ tires are slightly outdated at the moment
• Stiff seat, not suitable for long rides
• What is the body weight of the Trek 6500?

The Trek 6500 has a bodyweight of 27.8 lbs.

• What frame sizes does the Trek 6500 come in?

15.5, 17.5, 19.5, 21.5″

• What is the current price range for a trek 6500 for sale?

The Trek 6500 is worth about $95. It also depends on the condition of the bike.

Is The Trek 6000 Mountain Bike Worth Buying? [Trek 6000 Review]

Is The Trek 830 A Good Mountain Bike? [Trek 830 Review]

Compare Tables

Trek roscoe 7 mountain bike vs trek 6500.

It’s a stretch to compare the latest Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bike to the 15-year-old Trek 6500. However, just like a computer upgrade, the new configuration is always far superior to the old one. So, what are the advantages of the Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bike over the Trek 6500?

You get, Alpha Gold aluminum frame, 29×2.60″ Bontrager TLR tires, 1X12 Shimano Deore Drivetrain, 140mm travel RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc.

A good mountain bike is often the starting point for fun riding, and the race-ready Trek Roscoe 7 is less than half the price of a professional race bike, but the slew of accessories will not disappoint. 29-inch tires are more common these days, but they’re 2.6″ wide and have excellent traction even on sand.

Although a Deore accessory alongside the Trek 6500, the 1X12 Shimano Deore Drivetrain has been updated over the last 15 years and its performance is in no way comparable to older versions of gears.

Finally, I must mention its mid-to-high-end RockShox shock fork, which has 140 mm of travel. Dropping down to higher distances on slopes is very difficult to bottom out the fork, and the damping effect will dazzle riders who haven’t tried this fork before.

For those of you who want to compete in races, the Trek Roscoe 7 is a mid-to-high-end mountain bike.

Learn more: Is Trek Roscoe 7 Worth Buying? [Trek Roscoe 7 Review]

Trek Marlin 8 mountain bike VS Trek 6500

It must be rugged and durable, as well as easy to ride in the mountains. The Trek Marlin 8 is a low-cost mountain bike that will not disappoint casual adventure riders. It has an Alpha Silver Aluminium frame, a RockShox Judy Silver fork (100mm travel, 80mm travel on some frame sizes), 29 (XS & S: 27.5×2.4″) tires, and a Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake.

With a clean alignment and a slim profile. The rear rack and fender mounting holes remain on the Trek 6500. Every detail is suitable for daily adventures and commuting, thanks to the excellent bodywork and non-redundant features. The Trek Marlin 8 mountain bike outperforms the Trek 6500 on both mountain climbs and descents, balancing budget and performance.

If you prefer the current Trek mountain bikes, the Trek Marlin 8 is an excellent choice.

SANTA CRUZ Nomad Mountain Bike vs Trek 6500

When comparing high-end race bikes, the SANTA CRUZ Nomad Mountain Bike is an existence that does not let boring riding replace your riding life entirely. The SANTA CRUZ Nomad is designed to allow you to ride freely in difficult woodland singletrack or challenging park terrain. It is built in accordance with a professional mountain bike park.

A carbon frame, RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Rear Shock (170mm Rear Travel), Fox 38 Float Performance (170mm Front Travel), 800mm handlebar width, and SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic brake are all included. SANTA CRUZ A slack-out 64-degree head-tube angle, combined with 27.5in wheels, allows you to roll over obstacles without feeling sluggish on a technical trail.

The bike is only 33.16 pounds (15,030g). That’s not a particularly heavy mountain bike. So, if you want to be first in endurance racing in the future, you should consider this wild mountain bike.

Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike VS Trek 6500

When you compare a race mountain bike to the protagonist, it’s like comparing a cheap mountain bike to the protagonist after speeding down a steep hill to the flat. The Schwinn S29 is a good value for money mountain bike with 29″ tires that are suitable for commuting or general mountain riding.

The 60mm travel shock fork is adequate for mountain riding in hilly areas, but it has many limitations when riding on forest roads and single tracks. As a result, this mountain bike is best suited to riders who live in low-altitude areas.

When compared to the Trek 6500, it has the advantage of mechanical disc brakes and is about the same weight. On wet surfaces, the slightly wider tires provide a little more traction. The Schwinn S29 is another good mountain bike that strikes a good balance between price and performance. Consider it for your limited funds.

Tip: Used Schwinn S29s can fetch a good price.

Learn more: Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike Reviews-In-Depth Assessment

Final Verdict (4.5/5)

Even though it lags behind in terms of riding feel and accessory stack, the Trek 6500 is a shining mountain bike when compared to mountain bikes from 15 years ago.

The comparison takes into account that it was originally configured with a significant number of replacement parts over the course of the ride, and that these replacement parts will be gradually upgraded over time. So, in terms of riding experience and component quality, the Trek 6500 is a good mountain bike. We ultimately gave it a rating of (4.5/5).

If you want to see more trek mountain bike reviews, follow us as we’ll bring you more evaluations.

Learn more: Is The Trek 6000 Mountain Bike Worth Buying? [Trek 6000 Review]

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3 thoughts on “is the trek 6500 a good mountain bike [review]”.

I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!

You mentioned flexible front wheel. This is simply a maintenance issue, nothing wrong with the bike. Just have your bike dealer retighten the spokes and that flexible feeling will be gone for good.

Thank you for the reminder.

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• WHEELS & TIRES

Trek 6500 Bike 1998 or Older

• USER REVIEWS

Frame, Chain, Handle bars, Wheels, Gearing, Quick release hubs and seat post.

Foot Straps, Shifters, Goose neck, Sharp corners, Rear brakes, Fork.

I bought my 1995 6500zx brand new. I previously owned a 15 speed Giant that I bought new in 1985. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BIKE!!! I replaced the front suspension with the stock stiff fork, ( I didn't want to lose any energy), the rotating shifters were replaced with Rapid fire shifters, changed the seat to a Serfas Gel saddle, and installed an adjustable goose neck that brouught the handle bars up closer to me...all from the get go. I bought that bike when I was 25. am now 43 and that bike is still riding strong. Except for the initial changes I made when I first bought it, (for about $600.00), around $150.00 worth, the only other things I have changed were adding a headlight and tail light, Thats it! For the last 18 years I have ridden thousands of miles on it, with almost all of the original parts. I have ridden it in California, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. I am currently planning a 2100 mile trip from NYS to Colorado...all with my 1995 Trek 6500 zx. I am however dumping about $1500.00 into the bike for a complete overhaul and upgrades for the trip. I biked all four seasons with it and the bike has been solid from day one. I am a big guy, 6' 4 " and over 300 pounds, I can exert a massive amount of force on the frame, especially when sprinting up hills. Although 90% of my riding is on pavement, I have flexed that frame time and time again and it remains, at least in my mind my most favorite bike to date!

Older shock and original mid -low range components

I had a number of mtn bikes over the years. I started with steel Norcos, Diamondbacks and other makes. This Trek has looged thousands of miles, I've owned it since new. There are so many new parts it's hard to recall what it looked like new. Having just bought a newer commuter style bike I'm putting the knobbies back on this and getting it out on the trails a lot more. The original fork was weak and is pretty much cooked now. Will replace it and continue to ride this thing for ever! Great frame, good geometry, easy to work on, still competes with newer bikes for weight.

Similar Products Used:

Lots of mtn bikes

Light weight, beautiful and seamless joints, still riding

not the stiffest frame... also not suited for forks over 80mm

I bought this thing new when I was 15 with my own $. I am now 30 and have ridden this trek for hundreds and hundreds of trips up and down the trails here in WA. The only original part is the seatpost. When I lived in Bellingham, my buddy and I would take these funky frankinstein hardtails up to some gnarly drops and and like at Gailbraith Mountain, drop the seats down and have at it. This thing in it's current iteration is one part climber, one part mud bogger, and one part downhill. I still put on 20-40 miles a week on it. I've been thinking about getting a bigger bike but I will NEVER buy a $6000 DH piece of crap! Made in the USA when this country still made good stuff to buy!

lots of mountain and road bikes

VERY Stiff. Bonded Easton AL frame (no welds). Super Long Life. Super High Durability.

VERY Stiff. non-replaceable derailleur hanger, no disc tabs. Largest possible rear tire is 2.125

Stock, this bike was mediocre by modern standards, but I've rebuilt it about 7-8 different times, each time making it a little better than the last. Ive used 4 different forks on it and 4 different wheelsets, The only thing left on it thats stock is the paint. Ive thoroughly thrashed and crashed this bike on numerous occasions and it soaks it up ever time. Takes a lickin' keeps on tickin' Hands down, this is the most longlived / worthwhile atb frame ive owned or worked on.

Fisher Super Caliber, Fisher Marlin, Trek 6000, Trek 8000

strong, quick frame. great bike to build on.

mediocre components

Great frame for the money. Super fast & agile. Components are what you get for 600 bucks... but fun to build up on. Don't see the need to change a frame till I wreck this one or win the lotto.

Handles great, no twist shifters, frame is solid

bottom bracket is worthless, stock seat is unbearable

I've had this bike for almost four years now. The bottom bracket has made noises almost from day one. THe bike shop would tighten it up, only to have it act up again. However, it's never failed on me. The only things that have failed on me are the rear derailluer (recently) and the plastic end for the cable housing at the rear derailluer. Otherwise, this bike has taken a lot of abuse and keeps on delivering great rides. Minor tuning has always made this bike shift and brake very well.

I'd be embarassed to say

My Trek 6500ZX is a couple of years old, a 96' I'm guessing, it is blue and grey with the old grey Rock Shox and Stx componentry. For those of you who are wondering how your bike will hold up in a couple of years, I have on word...wonderfuly. I ride hard and enjoy a lot of air. My trek has held up to all the abuse. For those of you that complain about the componentry I have had zero problems with mine. Yes, my brakes are not V and Stx is far from top of the line, yet amazingley :) they all work beautifly. I broke a couple of teeth in the front sprocket which seems to have no effect. I am sick of hearing about how the components suck on this bike with my experience even though they are not top of the line they work. And besides its not what your riding it is how you ride it and this one will stay in great shape for years to come with out any upgrades.

Frame, Fork, Wheels, Rear Der., Tires

Seatpost (clamp), Crank, Cassette, chain, pedals FRONT DER

New to the sport in '98 when i bought this bike. Great ride. People might complain about the fork, but I have ridden everwhere and everything with it and put it through any known condition to man. The frame is great, And VERY stout. At 180 pounds, I am not really heavy, but not all that light either, and the frame had put up with my unexperienced bulls**t without a moan. After upgrading extensively, the bike is now Dial and is SWEET. I have had the opprontunity to upgrade to a Schwinn Homegrown and the new, Giant Team Carbon, but have elected to stay with this frame.The seatpost started creaking soon after I got it, but a little WD-40 (yikes, huh?) took care of that (no, grease didn't work). As well, the front derailleur was improperly placed from the factory, and is also easy to fix with a skilled machanics hand. Other than that, the crank is very low cost, and the rings wear quickly, as does the suntour cassette. Other than that, All it needs is some C-less pedalsGreat lost cost bike. If I didn't have such a lust for high end, I wouldn't have change very muchFive for the frame, performance and value, Four for the bike over all

Excellent frame for the price (light, fast), Indy C is a good deal

Front derailleur, pedals

It's an excellent bike for someone beginning in cross-country competition except for the front derailleur (has many problems even if fixed). For that, I will probably change it with a better one and I decided to change to clips for the pedals because I prefer that. I think that the Indy C is good deal, I never had problems with it. Buy this bike!!!

Specialized Rockhopper, Kona Nunu

I purchased this bike because Trek is a solid platform to build from. There are only two problems I've encountered with this bike, the front and rear derailers. Soon these will be upgraded to Deore XT components, my brother has these components on his bike and they work great. I've already upgraded the pedals to clipless types, their just absolutely great. Other than the derailers, this bike is the BOMB.

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Trek 6500 slr mountain bike

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Updated: Trek 6700 review

Sorted if not outstanding all-rounder

Guy Kesteven

The top dog in Trek’s 6000 range is a reliable, responsive and obedient ride, and it’ll have a decent go at most things, from racing to trail centre red routes. However, at this price we’d expect a better fork and overall kit level on what is an adequate rather than outstanding frame.

Ride & handling: Well-balanced overall ride that’s ready for anything

With a long (105mm) stem and a PopLoc remote lockout lever under your thumb, the first impressions of the 6700 are that it's designed for racing rather than more casual use. This also sets up a swift but safe rather than cut-and-thrust handling character that’s carried right thought the bike.

The mid-width 660mm low-riser bar gives enough leverage to coax it into corners without too much effort though, and it’s well balanced enough to surf the slippery-when-wet Bontrager tyres through boggy sections, or otherwise treacherous corners.

The neutral feel was appreciated by less aggressive riders, and the general feedback from all our testers was that it was a “safe and confident ride”. It’s not the lightest bike at this price but still hops and pops around well if you need to lift it over rather than roll through.

It climbs and drives out of corners with encouraging purpose too, and it’s comfortable enough to make day-long rides easy rather than a test of endurance. The reduced control of the TurnKey (rather than Motion Control) damping circuit of the RockShox Recon fork becomes more noticeable the harder you push the bike, though.

While the low (11.75in) bottom bracket aids stability, it sometimes makes itself noticed by pedal-to-ground strikes when you’re riding through bumpy corners. But you soon get used to such limitations. It’s essentially a well designed and reasonably equipped all-rounder that’s sprightly enough to make £1,200 seem well spent.

Frame & equipment: We'd hope for a better chassis and fork at this price

The 6700 is the most expensive model that uses Trek’s mid-range Alpha Black aluminium frameset. It’s a competent chassis with a balanced cross-country-style geometry. Features include a twin taper reinforced down tube, a big hydroformed top tube and a semi-integrated head tube.

There are three sets of bottle cage bosses and eyelets for a rack and mudguards, all of which point to the bike's all-rounder credentials and workhorse rather than thoroughbred breeding.

Going with the relatively cheap frameset doesn’t reap the dividends you might expect when it comes to kit. Specifically, while the TurnKey damper equipped Recon SL fork offers reasonable compression and rebound control, it's definitely lacking in composure compared with the RockShox Motion Control or Fox forks found on some other hardtails at this price.

The Shimano XT chainset and rear mech spec is diluted by SLX front mech and shifters, although these keep shifting just as slick and precise as XT. Avid's Elixir brakes are powerful performers, well suited to the bike's intended use.

The fat-carcass 2.2in XDX tyres on broad Bontrager Ranger rims add a welcome dose of float and comfortable buoyancy to the bike, as long as you’re prepared to ride the slide of the non-directional tread. The wheels aren't especially light but they're tough enough to take a bit of punishment.

The rest of the finishing parts are mid-range Bontrager tagged offerings, including a 660mm low-rise bar, comfy saddle, lightweight single-bolt seatpost and decent stem. The whole thing isn’t as light as we’d hope for a £1,200 racer though, at 11.7kg (25.8lb, without pedals).

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• Rider Notes

2012 Trek 6500

A 26″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with high-end components.

For This Bike

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,459 days

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Trek 6500 Disc

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 15.5", 17.5", 19.5", 21.5"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha SLR Aluminum
• Wheels Shimano M535 disc hubs; Bontrager Ranger alloy rims
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager Jones ACX, 26x2.2"
• Crank Shimano M440 44/32/22
• Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT
• Shifters Shimano Deore
• Brakeset Shimano Deore, hydraulic disc, 6" rotors
• Handlebar Bontrager Select, 25mm rise, 31.8mm
• Saddle Bontrager Select
• Seatpost Bontrager Select
• Stem Bontrager Select, 7 degree, 31.8mm
• Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed

Q: Where to buy a 2006 Trek 6500 Disc?

The 2006 Trek 6500 Disc may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2006 Trek 6500 Disc have?

The 2006 Trek 6500 Disc has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2006 Trek 6500 Disc should I get?

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