Trek Remedy 8 All Mountain Bike 2011

Technically Improved Bike

A bike that is capable of doing all types of riding and quickly transferring from XC bike to full Freeride bike on the fly would normally carry an “All Mountain” tag. Such kind of bikes should have good strength-to-weight ratio for enjoying downhill with more energy and climbs to the top, quicker. Trek has mass produced world class mountain bikes and Remedy 8 comes under All mountain bike category specially built to test limits of your skills on technical terrains. Trek has improved the frame design and engineered the rear suspension in such a way that it solves many problems. These problems are commonly faced by full suspension bikes when subjected to rough terrain with great speed. Trek packed lot of technology into this Remedy 8. With such technological developments that took up all kinds of terrain with specifically built component setup, this mountain bike receives full credits.

Light Weight Frame

Bike weight plays a major role when built specifically for steep climbing and technical rocky downhill terrains. At the same time it must be strong enough to take up big drops and consistent bumps. Both these aspects are important and must be maintained in good ratio without compromising each other. Trek has built the Remedy 8 with good strength-to-weight ratio and has the right combination of suspension and frame geometry. This Trek mountain bike has super stiff frame and the back end also features good stiffness, you feel the difference when you ride the bike. Its slacker geometry is far better than other all-mountain bikes that usually come with steep and short back end.

The geometry is spot on for all types of riding and suits better for both, slow riding as well as fast speed trails. Though the frame looks stout, the red alpha red aluminium frame tubes make the bike light weight. This frame is thoroughly hydro-formed and shaped for a specific ride with good strength and stiffness. This lightweight All mountain bike frame features an E2 tapered system with rigid E2 steerer which makes the front end stiffer, lighter by weight and stronger, without compromising on frame and fork compatibility, stem choice and other component selection. E2 system is a combination of lightweight 1-1/8″ upper steerer and 1.5″ lower steerer for stiffness.

Light and Nimble on Climb

Surprisingly this mountain bike climbs better and descends with great confidence. Those who are used to bigger bikes should not consider this as a Freeride bike although it performs similarly. You can test the ability of this Trek mountain bike on numerous terrains especially on tight switchback. The specially designed rear suspension along with Bontrager tyres nicely tracks the ground while going over any rocks and roots. While climbing on non-technical terrain, Fox Float RP2 rear shock adjusts well for optimum climbing without noticeable bobs and goes well with the geometry of the frame. You can really dial in the suspension shock and adjust them on the fly. This All mountain bike can climb with full active suspension or locked out and still feel light and nimble on the climb.

ABP Braking for Confident Descent

Bike lovers normally choose All mountain bikes because they want their bike to have both climbing and descending capabilities. Climbing to the top and fully extending both the suspensions would give shear pleasure of All mountain biking. You start off and the bike will smoothly fly over the hill. Full floater rear suspension design with ABP (Active Braking Pivot) gives lot more confidence on the descents. Many full suspension bikes firm up under braking and will not track the big bump consistently. This is a drawback, but Trek has overcome this problem with the unique design of ABP which enables the rear suspension to work fully under braking and pedalling. It absorbs all the bumps throughout the tough ride. This mountain bike soaks up everything they come across with balance and real poise. ABP braking gives total control over tight turns and confidently push the bike until the last descent.

‘All Mountain’ Component Setup

Trek has made this bike with All Mountain type component setup to withstand the tougher ride. Avid Elixir hydraulic disc brake with large rotors and the grippy Bontrager tyres allow you to gain control in any terrain and gives good stopping power especially in a tight turn situation. There are lots of Shimano parts in the 10 speed drive-train group, which seem more durable and dirt resistant than SRAM. This Trek mountain bike features a decent kit as stock and the low riser handle bar has sufficient grip. Medium cage rear derailleur with double chain-ring would make more sense on this AM bike. You can flick the bike around in the corners with the combination of 31.8mm stem and the shorter back end.

Poised Suspension

The rear suspension is super smooth and plusher than any other 6 inch AM bike. The Fox RP2 has lot of adjustments; pro-pedal lever and rebound adjustments are a real bonus. Trek has worked with Fox and developed Dual Rate Control Valve (DRCV) concept in RP2 rear shock. It handles both small bumps and big hits in controlled manner. With DRCV the shock compresses fully and stays lively. The shock will be active during multiple bumps following big hits without compromising the rider’s control. You can confidently go faster and stay control on rough terrain.

The rear suspension of this All mountain bike is built with Evo magnesium rocker link plates which act as a strong connection between the rear triangle and suspension shock. The front end comes with 120-150mm adjustable travel Fox 32 Talas fork with air spring. Some riders still feel that the rear suspension contracts a little with the adjustable front fork when they try on rough terrain. Fox 32 Talas fork has been excellent with its adjustability and can go from full lockout to plush 150mm at the twist of a dial. The 2 step 120-150mm travel adjust comes handy when compared to other Fox Float featured in Remedy 9 series. It is a very durable bike with excellent cornering ability.

Our analysis

Even DH racers love to make this mountain bike AM type trails, and use it for everything like technical terrain, jumping, tight single-tracks, switchbacks, climbing and downhill. Remedy 8 suits those who want to be tough on their bike and want to ride technical stuff. If you are bulky and below the average fitness, riding more cross country bikes and picking easy line of single-track then don’t ever think about Remedy 8.

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