How Much Does A Trek 820 Weigh?

‍Weight is an important consideration when choosing a bike, both for transport and for use. How much does the Trek 820 weigh, and is it the right bike for you?

The Trek 820 weighs about 34 pounds, making it a great choice for beginners to off-road biking. This lightweight option is versatile for riders of any skill level, and varying sizes make it perfect for adventurers big and small.

A quick scan of the manufacturer's posted specs and a little homework on its features shows it is an ideal fit for novice off-road bikers.

‍Choosing the Right Bike for the Terrain

For the uninitiated, it may seem that any bike can be used on any terrain. After all, a bike is just two wheels, a frame, and handlebars. Most of us learn to ride one as children, and the phrase “just like riding a bike” shows that biking can be picked up again even after it’s been gathering dust in the garage for years.

However, the stresses of different kinds of terrain are a critical point to think about when choosing the right bike for your needs.

Bikes for Men vs. Bikes for Women

To start, bikes are constructed differently for men versus women. Basic differences in body makeup mean that women’s bikes are generally smaller and shorter to accommodate smaller frames.

How Is the Bike Being Used?

Different bikes are built for different kinds of performance. The bike you got as a child to ride in the driveway wouldn’t stand up to long-distance biking in a race format. By the same token, an off-road bike you ride down a mountain doesn’t guarantee you a win on a road race. Think about how you’ll use your bike before buying.

Trek 820’s All-Purpose Build vs. Specialized Bikes

Some bikes are built in more versatile ways, while others are highly specialized. If you ride bikes on the weekends for fun, you might not need to spend thousands of dollars on a bike that’s built for strength or for speed.

Bike components can also be customized and swapped out depending on the needs and circumstances, and should always be tailored to the biker’s unique needs. Things like handlebars and tires can do a decent job of fitting any bike for a new environment or mode of use.

Why Does Weight Matter, and Is Lighter Weight Enough?

The Trek 820 is an entry-level bike for aspiring off-roaders. Trek manufactures a variety of bikes for users of all stripes, and the Trek 820 certainly has its valuable place in the wider lineup.

Who Should Buy the Trek 820?

The ideal customer for the Trek 820 is someone who enjoys biking, but isn’t ready to commit thousands of dollars to a highly customized two-wheeler.

You might already bike regularly on the weekends, or join friends for a Saturday ride on a nice morning. For the most part, though, you haven’t ventured far off the beaten path because you aren’t sure how your current ride will hold up. Off-road trails are calling, and you’re looking for an upgrade that can handle tighter turns, rougher terrain, and a narrower track.

Trek 820 Features and Build Quality

As previously stated, the Trek 820 weighs 33.7 pounds (15.2 kilograms), which is perfect for the “weekend warrior” rider who wants to see if off-road biking is right for them. But why is weight important, and does a lightweight bike mean that you’re sacrificing build quality or safety?

The 820 has a 3x7 drivetrain, which means it has 3 gears in the front and 7 in the back. This drivetrain is perfect for a learner’s bike, since shifting is a vital skill for riders to learn to do effectively and safely.

The suspension and frame are also built to allow for the increased punishment of off-road riding. You can handle some minor bumps in the road with ease, and ride with the confidence that your ride won’t disintegrate beneath you as you go.

One key feature of buying the Trek 820 is the variable sizing of the delivered product. Riders shorter than five feet or taller than 6 feet can choose the size that’s best for them, and manufacturer’s assembly can make getting your finished product a breeze.

Hit the Road, or Hit the Trail

Choose the Right Bike for the Job

Unless you collect bikes like sneakers or baseball cards, you might not have the funds - or the space - to own multiple bikes for every use or environment. Bikes are also another vehicle that requires upkeep and maintenance to keep it in ideal running condition.

Furthermore, you may use a bike during your daily commute or ride around a suburban neighborhood with your children, but most of these bikes are built for smooth pavement, a steady grade, consistent speeds, and few to no surprises. One rock in the road, and you’re in for a bad day. As they say, “use the right tool for the right job.”

It’s About the Journey, and Also How You Get There

We ride bikes in order to get from Point A to Point B. But when was the last time you thought about how you get to Point A in the first place, or what you do once you reach Point B?

For aspiring off-road bikers, unless you literally live on a mountain, you’re probably in for a commute from home to the trail and back again, which means you’ll need to load and unload your bike. It may also take some effort getting to the trailhead from your vehicle, which may mean a short walk with your bike before hopping on.

You’ll want to make sure your choice of bike is one that you can carry over short distances if need be, and that you can load and unload from your trunk, bed, or rack with relative ease.

The Trek 820 Fits the Bill

It’s a bit heavier than other bikes that are built exclusively for trail riding, but much of the weight comes from features like larger tires, wider handlebars, and components that are slightly less specialized. The intent behind these construction decisions means that you can use the Trek 820 on the trail and on the streets without missing a beat.

Those that are new to off-road biking should appreciate this tradeoff. A manufacturer like Trek will incorporate build features from its more expensive and more bespoke bikes into its “lower” models, meaning that this beginner’s entry benefits from the R&D that went into the flagship bikes.