Review of Columbia Trailhead Comp Men's Mountain Bike

Columbia Trailhead Comp Men's Mountain Bike
By: Columbia Sportswear Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 5
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Decent bike for the money

On: 2007-07-10

In general, except some serious backache "partially" assembling the bike, it was a reasonably good deal. Also, some of the reviews I read online said the bike didnt last very long, although I cannot speak to that (since I just bought it). So far, so good. If nothing else, it looks good. I only gave 4 stars because the no-name bike I bought at Kmart 4 yrs ago was only $80, and worked great for the beating I gave it. Also the bike came dented (in one place serious enough to affect use) and with assembly problems. Finally, the weight difference (which is the reason I bought this "aluminum" bike) was not that different from my old no-name bike (steel)...

I bought the bike off Amazon for $130 (17.5 in frame plenty big enough for my 510" build). The *free*-delivery was super fast (2 days!), however the bike was dented in several places, including the front wheel mounting, which affected installation. The bigger problem, though, which I didnt realize until later is that the handlebars were assembled backwards by the service people! Basically, the handlebars should slant away from you and up with brakes away from rider. Look at the picture, and compare it to what you got.

The total installation time took about 2.5 hrs! Hard work. Also, I was only successful b/c of the posted information I found and I am relaying here. Much of this is based off of Tommy G.s post under a diff Amazon bike sale (same bike w/ disk brakes, no longer available except under new post, which is strange in itself).

1) To mount the handlebar stem, look at the stub on the top of the fork. Remove the little rubber nipple and use a 5mm wrench to remove the bolt and top cover. Remove the cardboard sleeve. Mount the handlebar stem so that it points up and away from the seat area of the bike. Put back the bolt and top cover and tighten when in correct position. Then use a 5mm allan wrench to tighten the side bolts down the stem. Finally, put the black nipple back on (covers the bolt).

1b) If your handlbar is assembled backwards, youll have to move the brakes/shifters once you correctly position the bars. There is a 5mm allen bolt for the brake holders, and a small allen key (dont remember the size) for the shifters. DO NOT move the shifters w/o at least loosening the small (hard to find, but its there) bolt that holds them still. It will lead to much head/heart ache. Look at the picture online to see how the handlebars should look.

2) To mount the wheel: flip the bike upside down and place the front wheel into the fork slots. If you never installed a quick release system before (like me), closely examine the rear wheels quick release system and mimic it for the front.

3) With the bike still upside down, install the pedals and make sure that you know that the left pedal has reverse threads (not tighty righty that you know and love). Also make sure that the chain is attached to the sprockets before flipping the bike back over (mine was).

4) To put the front brake on, theres a little plastic bag with cable covers (rubber and metal). Just look at the back brake and copy it for front. Pull the brake wire through until you get what you think is a good braking tension (not too tight, b/c braking is all about degree and if its too tight you wont have this) and tighten with allen wrench. I personally cut the extra brake wire (left about 2 inches) once I was satisfied with the positioning. I believe the little metal inserts are for putting at the end of the brake wire to prevent the wire flaying, and to prevent it from scratching you later. I used a pliers to squeeze it.

5) Install the seat, inflate the tires and inspect the bike.

You may need to make small adjustments to the brakes and/or the shifter linkage, but there is documentation for the brakes that comes with the bike and you should hopefully be able to tweak the shifter with an allan wrench and some patience.

Great Bike!

On: 2007-06-08

This is a great bike and great value. It was fairly easy to assemble even though it ships without any directions (just a bunch of pamplets for individual features). I purchased the 19.5 inch frame model and had to adjust the seat down from its factory setting (Im about 510") but after that very comfortable ride. Very good quality construction. Love it.

Great Bike! Great Price! We love Amazon!

On: 2007-01-31

We got this bike for my 11-yo sons Xmas present. He had been learning to ride a bike for a few years and finally just got a hang of a smaller bike. We had such a warm weather here in NJ and he got to ride it on Xmas day and all the way to the New Year. He loves it and is not AFRAID to ride a bike anymore. The bike rides very smoothly, gears changes easily, and it looks so cool! We got it on sale for less than Sports Authority and no shipping fee. It took my boy friend about 30 minutes to put the bike together. The seat can be adjusted easily therefore, itll be my sons bike for many years. Highly recommended.

Trailhead ?-leave it in the store!

On: 2007-01-24

I mistakenly bought one of these from a "Sports Authority" store.One of the worst decisions I made last year.First the left crank arm just came lose so I retightened it -then when it kept coming loose I took it back to the store and they blame it on the manufacturer-phone call leave message-then Columbia/Ironhorse calls me and leave a phone message that they would be happy to help me.The question is when?When will either one of these big shot companies help?After repeated e-mails and phone calls to both Columbia/Ironhorse and Sports Authority I still have a junk bike with a useless paper "warranty" and less money in my pocket.They dont even return phone calls or e-mails.Trailhead ? Leave it in the store.And if you are shopping in a "Sports Authority" leave the store.I see why these two companies are teamed up.They both have NO SERVICE and totally USELESS WARRANTIES !And You Can Quote Me.R.B.--Kansas.

Great Value!

On: 2007-01-09

We purchased this bike for our son to get around campus. Hes over 6"3" and large framed. This bike in the 19.5" frame length meets or exceeds all of our expectations! The assembly was easily managed.