2001 Trek 6700

Type: Mountain 27-speed

Purchased: Fundraising prize from 2001 Trek 100 picked up at On The Route Bicycles

Made: U.S.A.

Frame: Aluminum

Components: Shimano LX and XT drivetrain & brakes RockShox Judy C suspension fork Bontrager wheels, cranks, seat, stem, etc.

Additions: Speedplay Frog pedals, Topeak clamp-on rear rack, bar ends

While looking over the brochure for the 2001 Trek 100, I saw that I could get a "free" mountain bike for raising a certain amount of money for Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer. Since I was too lazy/shy to solicit money from others, I just pledged the full amount to get my bike. It cost more that way, but at least it was tax-deductible. It was a far cry from the heavy research I had done on my Bike Friday and would do in the future for my Co-Motion, but I guess it was similar to the way I bought my Fuji. Listing in the $700-900 range, the 6700 is what I would call a mid-level mountain bike (the silly mountain biking magazines would call it "entry-level"--they completely ignore the huge under-$500 segment of the market). The Trek 6700 has the great Alpha ZX aluminum frame used on more expensive Treks matched with inexpensive but decent components, including a suspension fork.

I really enjoy riding this bike. Every time I do, I keep asking myself why I don't do it more often. That said, I only use it a few times a year. I don't do any of that crazy stuff they show on commercials for SUVs or soft drinks, either--I just ride on dirt trails. But it makes me feel like when I used to ride my Mongoose on the dirt trails around the corn fields when I was 11 years old, and that's worth a lot.

Memorable Rides:

My First Mountain Bike Ride (3hrs)

Illinois & Michigan Canal Revisited (50M)