Gear Report: 04 Trek Liquid 25

Gear report: Trek Liquid 25 (pics)

History:I have been mountain biking for about 10 years. I started off with a Specialized Rockhopper A1 then to a Connondale M900 then a Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Comp (Full XT).

Since then: I got out of MTNing, I built up a Trek 7500 to full XT.

Recent Demo's: Trek Fuel 8 and Fisher Fat Possum XT (shor ride around shop)

Now: I want to get back into some serious single track. I have played around with buying a cheapo hard tail that was used and abused…just doesn’t cut it. In doing some consulting work at a local shop, I can “form a bike from there, which limits me to Trek products, Trek, Gary Fisher and (maybe) Klein.

Today’s demo: 04 Trek Liquid 25. Used, found it on Craigslist. Bike looked like it had less than 10 miles, uber clean.
I took it on a short loop rice off of a Rails 2 Trails path. it is about 3-4 miles long (out and back) with little brooks and some 4-12" diameter logs. I have ridden this trail many times on my old Mongoose and the Caloi. I was able to make better climbs and had much more control than any of my previous rides.

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference than the previous Fuel 8. I am sure if I rode them back to back I would have, but not a week apart and in different terrain.

I am happy with the purchase, considering what I paid for it.

Nice!

Congrats. Just went FS this year myself (new 05 Specialized Epic Comp). Really like the bike, have been ignoring it until recently in favor of the roadie (charity ride in early August). trying to get some serious miles in between now and the end of the season. Disc brakes are pretty powerful - on the way back from a ride recently, my buddy almost ran me over coming to a stoplight at the bottom of a hill. His comment: "I think you have more stopping power than I do..." Enjoy it.

Tumbler....why don't you meet us Sunday!!!! Phils Kton MTN biking day

Glad you like the bike. Great Price! Only 10 miles? Good find. But not unusual.

My bike mechanic mentioned that he sees a fair number of people who think they might like to get into mtn biking and then buy a $2500 bike and ride it once or twice. Then stays in the garage for a year or two and gets sold. He added that the bikers, who get serious usually start out with a $600 HT then get something better in 6 months. I'm on bikes 7 & 8. My geared rigid being #8.

Just saw the invite - but wouldn't have been able to make the drive. How was it? Post a TR if you get a chance.

Trip report is posted.

Impressions after 2 hard days of riding:

I love this bike. It is much better equipped than i expected, Tubeless tires, hydrolic brakes to name a couple of things.

I liken this bike to a Metron . I took it on singletrack, some downhill, some uphill and it perfromed well in everything I threw at it. Are there better bikes for any of those things? I am sure, but this is my "one bike quiver".

Be careful with the tubeless tires. The owner of the shop I worked in had a tubeless tire explode inside his car, covering everything with a film of latex. Not fun...