We've tested a load of Trek bikes in the past and really do like the sizing of their WSD (Women Specific Design) frames, plus they offer such a broad range of WSD bikes to suit all pockets right up to pro standard bikes. The technology on the top end bikes filters down to the more affordable models thankfully so we decided to test the 6500 WSD.
It turned out to be great value for money and we are happy to say without any big compromises too. It's pretty lightweight for £650 and we didn't really expect that to be honest.
Frame
Trek's Alpha SLR frame is double butted, hence the reduced weight, quite an asset for a £650 bike we thought and the tubing was stylish, chunky and smoothly welded. The WSD geometry is designed to give shorter women a more comfortable ride position with a shorter top tube and better standover room, this is particularly useful for sub 5' 4" tall women. The 6500 WSD sizing goes as small as a 14" so sub 5' riders should be well catered for here.
The 6700 WSD retails at £800 and shares the same frame as the 6500 WSD, so it goes to show it's a frame worthy of upgrading if you choose.
Components and wheels
A solid Shimano based spec completes the gearing and crankset, with Shimano Deore being predominant and the occaisional splash of XT, like at the rear derailleur. The brakes are the reliable Shimano Deore hydraulics, again a bonus at this price point, and they worked well throughout the test too.
Contact points are well designed as with all the WSD bikes we've been lucky enough to test, the Bontrager Crowbar Select riser bars are low rise and not too wide either with grips of suitable thickness for smaller hands. The stem has a 7degree rise so the front end feels comfortably positioned yet still with a sporty feel.
The saddle is the Bontrager Race, a women specific saddle that we've enjoyed riding and is a good choice for novice and intermediate riders who enjoy a bit of padding but don't want an armchair or heavy saddle.
Front suspension is the Manitou Slate Comp with 100mm of travel and lockout, they offer some degree of adjustability and set up but lightweight riders may struggle if a softer preload setting is required. An average weight female will be Ok though and we found them pretty complient and smooth on most trails.
Bontrager make great wheels for the price tag, and some top notch expensive wheelsets too, so they know what riders want and expect from their wheels, Interesting that Trek have opted for Shimano M535 hubs built onto Bontrager Ranger rims. Not a bad choice by any means, in fact they were tough without being over specc'd or heavy. Fitted with 2.1 inch wide Bontrager Jones ACX tyres the ride is smooth and set at lighter pressures to suit the lighter rider we found them to be grippy and reliable even when throwing the bike around tight corners on the loose stuff. The nicely wide tyres took the sting out of bumpy and rocky sections and seemed pretty resistant to puncturing too.
Ride
We get to ride a lot of top end bikes and it's really nice when we come across a good solid bike that is within the price tag of most riders who want a proper mountain bike. The 6500 WSD is a proper mountain bike and crosses the realms of mtb riding well, it doesn't look out of place on weekend jollies, casual riding or on the start line of a sport XC race. We've done it all on the 6500 WSD and not been disappointed, it handles well on technical singletrack and woodland trails. It climbs well and thanks to the sensible ride position set-up with the bars and stem it felt confidence inspiring on the descents too.
We got 100% fun from the 6500 WSD and can't really think of a fault, hell we even liked the colour and finish too, and the graphics! It just goes to show that you can have a race ready bike for a decent price and not compromise on performance. The 6500 WSD is worthy of upgrades in the future too, and could be lighter should your pocket allow.
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Verdict
Surpisingly lightweight for the price tag, agile and fun to ride on all terrains ranging from gentle tow paths to fast singletrack. The 6500 is a bike a novice rider can get along with and not grow out of quickly too, intermediate riders will still be able to challenge themselves and have fun.
Price: £650 RRP
Website: www.trekbikes.com 2008 bikes are already available.
Frame: Alpha SLR frame Double Butted
Fork: Manitou Slate Comp w/lo 100mm travel
Handlebar: Bontrager Crowbar Select OS Riser
Stem: Bontrager Select OS/7degree
Seatpost: Bontrager Select
Saddle: Bontrager Race Wmns saddle
Shifters: Shimano Deore
Crankset: Shimano FCM540 44A/32S/22S Octalink
Rear derailleur: Shimano XT
Front derailleur: Shimano Deore
Brake: Shimano M535 Deore hydraulic disc
Brake lever: Shimano M535 Deore hydraulic disc
Wheelset: Shimano M535 center lock disc hub, Bontrager Ranger Rims
Tyres: Bontrager Jones ACX 26x2.1
Pedals: Shimano 505 spd
Colour:White Duotone
Sizes: 14, 16, 18
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| Discuss this article, 1 of 13 messages, read more: |  Jackie Gilligan | |
| Posted: 25/08/07 09:10:29 29 | Thinking of buying one of these and would like to hear from any VERY SMALL ladies who have tried the Fuel EX range. Going for this as it seems to be the only FS bike small enough for my 5' very short legs. Tried a Gary Fisher GS Deluxe and the stand over was mad 29". My heels didn't get near the ground! All three sizes have same stand over! Going hopefully for the 14" when they come out in September. Any other options would be interesting. Thanks Jackie |
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