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Submitted by
TrekMod
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech (Macon GA) | | Strengths: | It's a Trek. Stands up to abuse. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, seat is awful, been replaced. People say this bike climbs well, I'm not so sure. If I'm up off the pedals the rear tire tends to wash out and if I'm sitting back on the seat it's all I can do to keep the front tire from pulling up off the ground. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the FD and RD and pedals as soon as I bought the bike. Part names escape me. Deore LX I believe. | | Bottom Line: | I'm planning on modifying this bike to be as light as possible, but I don't know if the frame is light enough to even bother. I'm planning on replacing stem, handlebars, crank, seatpost, wheels and fork to start with. Are these mods worth the price or will I just end up with high end components on a frame that is never going to be XC light weight worthy? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matacks
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | uhhhhh? | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$578.00 | | Purchased At: | Kingston cyclery | | Strengths: | nice paint job. not bad components.. | | Weaknesses: | front derailleur is crap...seat sucks | | Similar Products Used: | none..this is the best bike I've ever had.. had a mongoose chromeolly as a kid that was decent.. | | Bike Setup: | all stock components...Id like to buy a few upgrades but Im freaking out of fun money..Id also rather be in the market for a new bike with larger frame..Im feeling I bought this one a bit small for me..it 16" size | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike about two years ago and have been pretty happy with it. Everything about its been ok except,wanting to upgrade some stuff. I don't like how the front derailleur is attached with this weird bracket thing..to remove it you either have to use a hacksaw or break the chain.. I got a bit of rust on the J1 shocks around the chromed part of the tubes.. I did keep you bike out in the air though but, under a roof to cover from elements.. guess its better to store inside if you have space.. maybe put some lube on those parts.. Other than that such a great starter bike..but its left me wanting something with nicer components or just more solid feel...I think this bike has turned me into a bike snob..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amy Krienbuhl
a Cross Country Rider
from North Tonawanda, NY USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprague Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert's Bikes | | Strengths: | Components work fluently togetrher. Strong Frame! Quality entry level trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy J1 fork. I switched to a Rock Shox Reba Race fork. | | Similar Products Used: | 96 GT Agressor. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 frame. '05 Reba Race fork. Veulta Starlite Wheelset. Shimano PD-M647 pedals. Club roost GO FAST riser bars. SIC stem. Chris King headset. Avid Speed-dial brake levers. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike! I have yet to have a problem with it. I ride on a daily basis. As I porgressed, i added components to suit my riding style. If you are looking for a bike to get started with, this is a great choice to experiment with. It comes with great breaking, smooth shifting, agressive trail tires, and a great feel to ride with. The only regret I have is not buying a full suspension bike seeing how I took to the sport. But this bike has treated me well, and I love it! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Humberto Freire
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottetown,PEI,Canada
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Earth | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Action bikes London | | Strengths: | Solid Frame,simple geometry, you know the one that just keeps on well just keeps on!! and on and on!! | | Weaknesses: | crap Sadle,Ouch! on the B-Hind. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher, Cannondale,Specialized,Giant.etc etc oh and Kona!! | | Bike Setup: | deore, avid brakes,and Crap Sadle.GOt manitou Blacks on the front end , all of a sudden it becomes this wow factor!oh and a sadle san-Italia leather very sweet indeed. | | Bottom Line: | Well here I am again a few years later,
go figure hey! Solid bike and if you look after it just keep it lubed and clean after the mud, it's Solid ! very good value !crap sadle. I insist Please Trek and Company,the sadle is like a shoe if it does fit well we the consumer will not buy and wear it ! ge it .Great Value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Myers
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Harley's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The Frame is the best componet on the bike. I also have not had to mess with my braking system or my gear system. The derailers are great for the price you pay. | | Weaknesses: | The Bottom Bracket snapped off its arm when I dropped of a 3 footer and I cranked my nuts hard. I am upgrading to an ISIS drive instead of that crappy square taper. The only other weakness I have noticed is the front fork. Although it has held up pretty well on me, it is very heavy and seems to not have any damper at all. | | Similar Products Used: | All my friends bikes, Specialized P2, Hardrock, Stumpjumper, Giant STP, Gary Fischer Cake Dlx II, | | Bike Setup: | Everything is stock except for my new Race Face FR BB, and the new Truvativ Hussefelt cranks I am getting. Oh, throw on some lock on grips, they are great! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I have used and abused this bike and it keeps going strong. The 4 years that I have had this bike have been great and trouble free. I would recommend Trek any day to anyone. I am in the process of upgrading to a more urban/free ride hardtail but this Trek 4900 will stay with me for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nitzan Manteka
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | In Israel | | Strengths: | Strong frame, Very light, good brakes, very balanced | | Weaknesses: | screws that hold the bar that holds the right pedal comes loose once in a while, seat is really uncomfterable, | | Bike Setup: | all Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike, i can wheelie with it for over an hour, shifts easily, front shocks are strong, strong frame, good for people who want to ride their bike in tough terrain, very light weight, lifetime warrantie. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodrigo Gallo
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek back in TX | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | If you are a beginner, much like I was when I bought this bike, you will love it. I've put this bike through a lot of roug rides and a lot of times it's proven to be tougher tan me. | | Weaknesses: | If you ride hard and frequently replace the pedals and the seat. The shifting is not the best either. The bike is also a bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | various bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock except I replaced the pedal for some shimano 646 and i replaced the seat. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike that will give you hours of fun and won't let you down (too many times). If you are a beginner or don't have that much money this is a great bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa, CA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | El Moro | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sea & Schwinn | | Strengths: | Took many good beatings | | Weaknesses: | Broke the frame coming down Rattlesnake; snapped at the two welds right at the very back of the frame by the back wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Standard, disc brakes, Rock Shox Judy on the front. | | Bottom Line: | This bike did well the whole time I had it, until today. Ride around 2-3 times a week, and besides a few popped tires I've never had any trouble. Trying to get Trek to give my a Fisher frame for replacement and just pay the diff. We'll see how it goes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Tilghman
a Weekend Warrior
from Towson, Maryland
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northern Central Rail Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Race Pace Bicycles, Owings Mills Maryland | | Strengths: | Front shocks work well, and I had no problems after 4 hours of riding with the gears or shifting | | Weaknesses: | I Only been riding it for 1 month / after hours of riding the seat was like riding a skateboard but I my need to develop a riding Butt so they say | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Standard out of the box equipment | | Bottom Line: | I really like my Trek 4900 they could make a softer seat but overall I would give it a 95% out of 100% because of the seat. If you are looking for a good bike to start with then this is an excellent choice you can grow into this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Watton
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | MillCreek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$315.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle-good guys!! | | Strengths: | Lightweight, tough. Good quality bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | I have bent the rear derailer. The crank bearing came loose and I broke a tooth of the rear cog. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as a one year lease return. Usally I wouldn't buy a used MTB but this was a police bike and it looked brand new. I love the bike, last year I purchased a GT and I was breaking parts. I love this bike. I am not too big of a fan for the Judy C shock, but its way better than my RST on the GT!! I am fairly new to MTBing but ride pretty hard and with a few upgrades this bike will last me a few years! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hunt
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Strengths: | nice strong frame, its light and looks cool | | Weaknesses: | the rims are cheap, i have had my bike in twice becouse on the spooks came loose and bent the rim. | | Similar Products Used: | various bikes | | Bike Setup: | trek 4900, rock shox pslyo xc (very nice) cane creek c-2 head set, vualta downhill rim w/ xt disk hub and avid disks. | | Bottom Line: | buy new rims and tires along w/ shocks, trust me its worth every dime. i didnt like the petals that came with the bike so i put platform on! i would give the bike a 4.5 rating because i think its better that a 4 but not perfect blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah 50 words | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adirondack Blues
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Away from People | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Clifton Park Sports (Great Shop!) | | Strengths: | Its a great bike right outta the box- It fits me (I'm 6'3" 215lbs). Decent spec components- not the best, but I rode about 3000 miles last year, and only went through a cassette, a few sets of tires, and a few chains. I couldn't break anything else, although I sure did try my best. Frame and wheels are strong. Judy C is a pretty sweet old-school tech fork. Jones AC tires work great. | | Weaknesses: | Shifters could be better- when mine break, I'll probably upgrade to Deore or XT. Front der is a little sketchy- you never know if it will shift or not especially in the mud. ProMax brakes are terrible and have a cheap feel- I replaced them with Avids. Stock pedals and saddle should go- I ditched the rat trap pedals for Shimano 959s- I'm still riding the stock saddle, although its threadbare and ripped up a bit. Cranks and chainrings are showing wear after 3000 miles. Rear hub is making noise doesn't turn as smoothly as it used to. Headset could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | None- first bike purchase | | Bike Setup: | 21.5" frame, Shimano 959 pedals, Avid Single Digit 7 brakes, Titec Fat Al 135mm stem, SRAM Cassette, SRAM PC58 chains, Switch between Jones AC and Revolt SS depending on conditions. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Erchull
a Racer
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Peppersauce Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS I work at | | Strengths: | Well, out of the box this has to be one great deal. The frame is a responsive, sturdy ride, with the ability to take a pounding. On a budget this bike is aa great deal. If you are lloking for a good bike on a budget with similiar components try the Diamondback Topanga with full Deore for about $399 retail. The frame on the diamondback isn't one to jump for but the components are a great deal. Otherwise stick with the 4900. | | Weaknesses: | The components. There are better bikes out there in this price range with better wheels, cranks, bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F3000 | | Bike Setup: | 4900 Frame, Manitou Expert Fork, XTR Brake/Shifters, XTR Frnt and Rear Deraileour, CarbonLord Cranks w/XTR BB, 2001 CrossMax Wheelset, Continental Twister Pro Tires, XTR V-Brakes, Cane Creek S6 Headset, Easton EA70 Stem and Seatpost, Icon Bars, Profile Grips, Areion TI Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the budget. Somewhat worth upgrading for a second bike to go crazy on without braking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Brady
a Weekend Warrior
from Canal Fulton ohio usa
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | eddy'ts bike shop | | Strengths: | Rear der,good solid frame so far,shifters have worked well considering not high end | | Weaknesses: | wheels,front der, fork | | Similar Products Used: | raleigh M60, wal-mart crappy Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike. I got into riding last year and decided to buy the bike. I am a bigger guy, 5'11" 210lbs and we ride like maniacs. So I broke alot of things (wheels, rear hub, front chainring,front der etc.)I think if your starting out, it is a much better choice than a Huffy. Turns out I just love riding so much and really need a better bike so I just bought a CDALE Scalpel so the bike looks alot cheaper to me now. Get it if your starting out. If your not into riding then you will at least have a great bike for recreational riding for the rest of your life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | R&D | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's Cycle | | Strengths: | Low Price & Trek Name | | Weaknesses: | Weight & Parts Quality | | Similar Products Used: | STP 200, 4500, and 4300 | | Bike Setup: | FD: Deore LX
RD: Deore XT
Pedals: System 3
Seat: Trico | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
I own many Trek offerings (STP 200, 4900, 4500, and 4300), so my bias can be justified. The 4900 is a good product, but a 2001/2002 Trek 6500 is a much better product. Listed below are the reasons behind this statement.
Frame: 6500 (SL) is better than 4900 (Alpha).
FD: 6500 (Deore) is better than 4900 (Alivio).
RD: 6500 (LX) is better than 4900 (Deore).
The 2001/2002 Trek 6500 represents a much better value than a 2003 Trek 4900. The 4900, 4500, and 4300 all share the same basic Alpha frame. Yes, the 4900 is made in the United States, but it uses the same material as Trek's lower quality offerings (4500/4300). A 21" 6500 weighs in at 28 pounds verses 30 pounds for the 4900. In a nutshell, you get a better frame and higher quality componenets for only $75.00 with the 6500.
Please don' waste your time and money on a 2003 Trek 4900. The 2001/2002 Trek 6500 is the right choice for any real rider. You can build a real bike with the 6500 as the foundation platform.
Thank You
Russ
PS: The 4900 is a solid product, but suffers from overweight and poor standard components. It is a good, but not a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Cherokee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Highgear Outdoor | | Strengths: | This bike has taken a pounding since I bought it. | | Weaknesses: | None so far except I broke the shifter while crashing. | | Similar Products Used: | several other Trek bikes | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Deore, Bontrager accessories, Rock shock seat post, clipless pedals, Hutchinson Python tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has held up better than any bike I've owned. Maybe I just got lucky, but for the price it can't be beat. I ride everyday, I ride my bike very hard and it has held up excellent. Even downhilling in Winterpark. I recommend this bike if you want a tough bike and don't have the cash for a fuel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
humberto freire
a Cross Country Rider
from london-u.k.
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | earth | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | actionbikes.londonSW1 | | Strengths: | great frame good reliable componentry DEORE troughout and a sturdy offroad bike go anywhere bike no bull just pedegree stuff! | | Weaknesses: | a better saddle! | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale great but so expensive for what it was! | | Bike Setup: | factory setup | | Bottom Line: | no funny duddy kind of bike get on and ride everywhere and anywhere. Okay downhilling out but across the rest of the world just get one and ride!you need a bike that will not let you down go get one .yeah baby! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Good bike to start with and to ride on trails. Its pretty light but Trek doesn't display the weight of the frame. Its strong enough for drops too. | | Weaknesses: | I don't really like Trek mountain bikes in general they don't have any good freeride or downhill bikes the ones they do have stink. And the frame is weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | Great bike but would help if it was stronger i mean u just can't take it too far into freeride. If your a beginner mountain biker this bike is for you; not too expencive, light, low maintance, and great for trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dodo_96 -----
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos hills/kettle morraine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | village cycle (they sux) | | Strengths: | Frame, rd, wheels, | | Weaknesses: | fd, pedals, | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300 | | Bottom Line: | I've been really surprised concerning this bike. I've done more 1000 miles, including lots of trails, and its held up. I haven't had to get wheels trued at all, which is pretty surprising, considering my weight (220). The forks have held up pretty well too. The only that bugs mean, is that sometimes the FD doesn't shift that well at times, but the rd has been 100%. I like the bike, but the pedals do suck, i've upgraded those, and am planning on upgrading the fork (found a great deal on bombers). I am still surprised how the wheels have handled (they've hit trees, and haven't dented). I think this is a great bike, and has handled everything i've needed it too. But if you do get into mountain biking, you will definitely end up grading. Oh, i would definitely upgrade the seat, i've done that too, and it has made a world of difference. Great bike in my opinion, but if you can afford to spend more, i would do it, just to save some trouble on the upgrading. I would say buy it, if your going to use it for city, xc, and trails. If your just aiming for trails, spend more, and spend less, if just city, but i think its a great bike if your doing both. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schtoo
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The frame is great? | | Weaknesses: | The components aren't for me. | | Bike Setup: | Frame, saddle, fork and heatset bearings stock. LX F/R Der, shifters and crank. Hayes discs, XT hubs, Rhynolite rims whatever else needed to bolt it together. | | Bottom Line: | For me, the stock bike pulls vacuum. I mentioned this long ago (can be seen below). This is an update...
Well, now the thing is great! It's a land based missile, and the only thing that is not so great are the LX cranks, but that's only a very small problem and they were my choice. The frame is great, the fork works, and them heatset bearings are still working fine. Other than that this review can't cover the stock 4900. It can however say how good what's left is, and that's not half bad. I am starting to dislike the fork which is not all that great for me, but that should vanish pretty soon anyway. If you can live with components (and mines the international version, we got the better stuff!) then it's a bargain. Right now, my bike is up where the stuff costs twice the asking price of this bike and comparing it to a stocker just isn't all that fair... I can see this frame lasting for a very long time, and it's worthwhile keeping in good working order.
BTW, all the cast off stuff wound up on my girlfriends 4100, making it into a white 4800? She loves it, and is amazed at the difference the better components make. So for me it's not a great loss, as all the components found their way onto other bikes (even her old stuff got used up). By now, it should be at reduced prices to allow for '03 models, put the 4900 on the VERY short list if you are in the market to buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Erchull
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS That I Work At | | Strengths: | Has to be the top of it's line Alpha Frame | | Weaknesses: | Original Comp. Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Trek STP 200 | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9.0,2002 Sid Race Fork, XT Cassette, Icon Cranks, Cane Creek S6 Headset, Bontrager Race Stem and Seatpost, Icon Handlebars, Avid Pro Brakes and Levers. Rolf Dolomite Wheels | | Bottom Line: | This was one of my latest projects. Took it out and rode it. Great feel. The dolomites were a little Sketchy at first. It's a great climber at 23.5 pounds (that damn frame weight) Had a lot of fun building it up. THe great thing is it's worth $1500-1700 but I only paid $850. Irecomend going for the 6700 frame if you want to build a bike like I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heath Buck
a Downhiller
from Fort Smith, AR, US
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Springhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycling | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | Pedels and Crank. I have bent both pedels, the middle front chain ring, and the left crank arm came loose. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, but I am looking to replace the pedels. I am 5'10" and 220Lbs. I love taking the bike out for rocky downhils and it has held up. I love the bike and at 28.1 lbs, it is a lot lighter than my soft tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matti
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Deore everywhere, nice color, solid sframe | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, rear derailleur cable, derailleur hanger | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4100 | | Bike Setup: | International version, XT+Mavic F519+DT rims, Marzocchi MXR fork, SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | I get this as a replacement for stolen bike. The wheels (F519+XT) and the front suspension (MXR) were upgraded before I got it from the shop.
The bike is international version so it has little bit better stock parts than US model. Deore shifters (Alivio in US model), Deore front derailleur (Alivio), 27 speeds (24), Alex rims + Deore hubs (Bontrager Corvair + non sealed hubs), thicker spokes, more expensive saddle (Bontrager FS 2000), Bontrager Sport cranks (Bontrager plain?) and matte black color.
Otherwise the bike has been very nice, balanced and durable but from the beginning it has had problems with the drivetrain. The shifting has been lousy and the first chain and casette wore out really fast. I got replcement casette from warranty. The problem with the shifting was solved when I replaced the rear derailleur cable and the last section of cable cover few days ago. Apparently the last section of cable cover was cut too short at the factory. Also the rear derailleur hangar and frme joint has some play when the wheel is of and I'm not sure if it sets in the right angle after the wheel is fastened.
The chainring seem to be made from quite soft material. They wear fast and bend easily.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slyder
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville,TN, USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | Great frameset. Strong and decently light. Excellent entry level XC rig. | | Weaknesses: | The Alivio FD was a little sluggish. Not very impressed with the Bontrager Sport crankset, I bent the middle chainring twice. | | Bike Setup: | I have basically upgraded every part on this bike. Here's the run-down: Drivetrain:Shimano XT Fork:'01 Sid XC Handlebar:Easton EA50 Grips:Oury Brakes:Avid SD 3 levers w/ SD 5 calipers Wheelset:Mavic w/ Mavic X221 Tires:Panaracer Fire XC Pro | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level bike. I bought it not knowing how heavily i would get into mountain biking and now have probably spent way too much money on it, but it rides like a dream! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Cross Country Rider
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Washington Crossing | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong Frame | | Weaknesses: | Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | 4300 | | Bike Setup: | FD: Deore LX, RD: Deore XT, Pedals: ATB System 3, and Seat: Trico. | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
I have done over four hundred miles in the last two months with this offering, and the following upgrades have made a significant impact on the final ride:
FD/Deore LX: A very well spent fourty dollars. This is a key upgrade that should be considered. A far better offering than the stock Acera-X.
RD/Deore XT: Looks nice and a far more accurate piece that the the original Deore. This offering may be overkill for the 4900, but it does improve the drivetrain.
Pedals/ATB System 3: A very well spent fourty dollars. This is a key upgrade that should be considered by any and all owners of the 4900.
Seat/Trico: Helps you tolerate the ten plus mile rides.
The 4900 is a very decent offering, and a good start in the MTB space.
Sincerely
Russell Ruggiero
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Bean
a Cross Country Rider
from Modesto, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dry Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Fun Sport Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame seems to be tough, all around solid bike. Mine is a 2003 model.Pilot forks are really smooth and yet have enough preload adj. for my weight. | | Weaknesses: | None surfaced so far. I do weigh 240 so I have been upgrading already. I am X motocross racer so have been easy on it until I change wheels and cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Added DH stem, RaceFace cranks, LX 9 sp. cassette, XT front der.,XTR chain, Deore 9-sp shifters, Rockshox seatpost, SDG saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike out handles my old Marlin and feels solid. This is a buy and ride bike for anyone of normal size and weight and for a $500 dollar bike can't be beat. 5 flaming jalepenos for this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CrazyCruzan
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Grahams Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Metro Bikes | | Strengths: | Great sturdy frame, great price, especially for a beginner like me. | | Weaknesses: | Questionable components. Bent back rim on the first trail ride. THE RIMS SUCK. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock components which include Hayes HMX 1 Disc brakes, Rockshox Judy TT... gel seat... thinking about getting some eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'2, 225lbs. For a beginner... I'm a bit of a daredevil, doing 3-4 foot drops on my first trail ride. I crashed 3times that day... the bike held up well until the 3rd crash when I did a taco on the front rim. That's where the disc brakes proved themselves... I banged the rim enough so it could rotate thru the fork... and I was able to ride back to the car. Stock rims won't last... I now have a pair of Sun RhinoLites... MUCH BETTER.
Great overall bike for a beginner... and has held up well considering my size and the abuse I've given it.
A 5 for value for a beginner bike with disc brakes
A 4 overall cause the rims suck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Strengths: | the fram is strong, light and tough. | | Weaknesses: | the seat rails, shoxs, rims, the breaks flex too much when tring to stop going downhill and peddles. the tires will KILL YOU SO GET NEW ONES!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | i have over 1000 miles on my bike and like the 2nd month i got my bike i bent the seat rails. i was a lil mad over that. this bike i fine if u ride in the city or town. a little xc will be fine. any thing other that xc riding will kill the rims and shoxs. in three weeks i have bent the back rim and had it fixed then the spoks came undone again. even the front spoks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Hickman
a Weekend Warrior
from Waxahachie, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | LB Houston Dallas | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | B & B Bikes /Cedar Hill | | Strengths: | it is a strong bike, holds up to abuse, the shifters are well placed and the drivetrain is smooth. the bike looks good, has a great color and pattern scheme (mine is the 2002 in yellow. it is a great bike to ride. | | Weaknesses: | i dont like the seat, i would rather have a gel seat with the relief cut in it, but in my opinion if this is your only complaint you're doing good. | | Similar Products Used: | trek police bike, cannondale mtbs | | Bike Setup: | mine is factory right now, the only upgrads i am currently looking at are a new seat and possibly disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike gor me, as a beginner to trails. i rode a trek police bike in my duties as a police officer and i liked it a lot. for the price it is an excellent bike especially fo rthe price. i am very happy with it and would advise anyone looking for a quality bike to ride at a moderate level and who doesnt want to spend 2k on a bike to look at this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guy from
a Weekend Warrior
from florida
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | tec's | | Strengths: | great all-round ride: it's been sweet for both cross country and urban rides. | | Weaknesses: | busted the stock rims, brake levers are really weak, and the preload knob broke on the judy c fork | | Bike Setup: | stock drivetrain, race face bash gaurd, sun mammoth rims, michelin wildgripper hot s tires, marzocchi atom 80 fork, avid brake levers, shimano dx 646 pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike has stood up to some nasty crashes, been great on single track, and held up to some urban abuse. it's been an awesome bike to get in to mountain biking with, but it get's a little pricey when you start breaking parts. great bike for beginners, but not so much for hard core racers or free riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Eastport, Maine
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Rose's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Aluminum hardtail, very solid feeling, fairly good selection of components at the price, great riding position | | Weaknesses: | Aluminum hardtail, Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar, Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the pedal have been replaced with a set of Shimano 545s and the crack was replace(see below). | | Bottom Line: | I pick up a 2001 model this summer (2002). I've ridden about 300 miles so far and can say that it was the right bike for me. I am a big fellow (6'3" 235) so my first desire was a bike that felt solid to me, a few ounces just doesn't really matter. For all the guys out there my size the rocksox judy is basic but with the preload crank it works pretty well. That said it is a great mountain bike for crusing fire roads, streets and the such, but it isn't the most nimble one out there.
As far as problems go I've had one. The right pedal was either incorrectly tighten when assemble or I wacked it since it started to wobble and stripped out the crank arm. My dealer replace the stock crank with a Deore hollowtek unit, no prob, and it hasn't given me a problem since.
Oh yeah, just make sure to get ride of the stock pedals ASAP with your favorite clipless set. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Harris Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Strengths: | Strong frame won't break on big drops. The Judy fork does the job, but I would recomend upgrading to Dukes after a while if you are a serious biker. Deore/Alivio shifting is good, but if you're planning on racing competitively, you might want to go for a better bike. Great braking- alot better than some of the bikes in it's price range. Tires grip good, don't wear down fast, and shed mud great. Pretty much everything is tough- you're not going to break this bike, except... | | Weaknesses: | The rear wheel: its a Bontrager Corvair. I looked up on their website, and the wheel is actually a front-specific rim, and the guys at Trek stuck it on the rear thinking nobody would notice. The handlebars are a bit wide for my taste, you might not feel that way. But if you do, that can be easily fixed by cutting the things. Fork springset is a bit stiff for my weight- I'm in high school- 106 lbs. Tires are tight on the rims, takes a bucketload of elbow grease and a strong tire lever to stick the tire back on after fixing flats. Pedals- you're gonna hafta upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Trek 4500, Giant Warp DS2, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano M515 pedals ($30 from jensonusa.com), bar ends (they help on low traction climbs), Sun Rhyno Lite on LX Wheelset (explained below) | | Bottom Line: | Will suit you just fine for recreational cross-country, and non-competitive racing. If you really want to win in a race, you need to spend about $400 more for a lighter bike with better components (the 4900 is 30 pounds). I also do some light hucking (5 foot drops, light dirt jumping, stair drops), and the rear Bontrager Corvair rim will give out after about 5 months of heavy riding. I rode tons over the summer and my rim was bent in a million places. I don't think it would've been so screwed up if they put the right rim on the back, and not a front-specific rim. The 2003 4900 might not have the same problem. But I was forced to buy a new wheelset from Jensonusa.com for $99. I did regard this as a big problem, but it's worth 99 bucks for the super-strong and stiff Sun Rhyno Lites, and be able to to big drops with confidence. The Judys are a bit flexy, but so are most low end suspension forks.
Overall, this bike is fun to ride, takes abuse (except for the rear wheel), and makes you want to ride it more. The only time the 30 pound weight really hinders you is when you want to pick it up, other than that it is not noticable unless in competition.
Buy this bike if you're on a budget and want to have fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Cross Country Rider
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Washington Crossing | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's | | Strengths: | Excellent components, and a solid USA made frame. | | Weaknesses: | Crank seems more fit for a lower-end offering. | | Similar Products Used: | 4300, 4500, 6500, and 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Trico | | Bottom Line: |
A great value. This bike offers a well built frame, and excellent components. It is a bit heavy, but has well balanced ride. Make no mistake, the 6500 is a better bike, but expect to pay at least $200 more for lighter frame In a nutshell, the 4900 is a solid offering by Trek in a very crowded market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Watson
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ancaster Cycle(CDN) | | Strengths: | Great componemts on this bike. Handles great over rocks, logs, and anything you can throw at it. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are driving me nuts, and im losing traction with rear tire(to much tread). | | Similar Products Used: | Spezialized Rockhopper, Haro Impulse Comp | | Bike Setup: | RS Judy C forks, shimano shifting, bontrager everything. | | Bottom Line: | Ive been riding for 12 years now and this bike is a real sweet package for the money. I have really beaten on this bike hard, and its still in one solid piece, except the paint job! I do alot of technical riding, single track, and love speed. This bike does it all. A rock ring would be a good idea, ive always managed without one(did not care if i broke the teeth), but i folded the disc on this bike. I only weigh in at 122 lbs by the way. Its a pain in the ass waiting for the shocks to break in, but a great fork anyway. I must say though for the price this bike rocks, you just need a little customizing. If you are a beginner this bike is s great buy, or an experienced rider needing a new ride, this is it. I love this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walter
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN ,USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Citico Creek in Cherokee Ntl Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$515.00 | | Purchased At: | Interwheel | | Strengths: | Forgiving entry level bike. I've taken this on some pretty extreme creekbeds and it has held up fine. | | Weaknesses: | The stock fork is pretty limited, but for the price range this is to be expected. 80mm of travel is ok if you don't weigh 200lbs like me. | | Similar Products Used: | 10 year old Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock with some low end SPD's. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to see if I like mountain bike riding. I figured $500 was not a bad deal to find that out. It did just that. It is durable and dependable. I am glad I bought it, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get started riding. If you stick with the sport, you'll find this one to be a bit slow and unresponsive. The stock Bontrager tires are fine for most riding but very slow if your skills grow much. It is a great bike for the money, and I have no complaints. I will however be looking to make the move to a full-suspension bike soon so I can tackle some tougher rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Southington CT USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikers Edge | | Strengths: | Rock Shox Judy C forks,very light, durable | | Weaknesses: | V breakes not discs | | Bottom Line: | This bike isa great begineer bike for the money. It comes with good parts on it. If you get this and plan on keeping it for a while think bout investing in discbreakes. The Trek 4900 is a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Barry
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Knobb Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus | | Strengths: | Bontrager galore! | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Pedals a bit slick | | Similar Products Used: | M80, Hard rock, Motobecane, | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For being a first time buyer, I love this bike. Did my research beforehand and did it right. Not wanting to drop a huge ammount on a bike, this is the best for what I wanted, a solid, medium duty bike. Passing my buddies up on the trail now my favorite pastime! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY US
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | verrazano cycles | | Strengths: | Light frame, good shifting, decent tires (as long as you dont go through rough conditiobs), components. | | Weaknesses: | rough Seat, pedals dont have enough grip. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300, trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | this is the 2003! model and the shocks are different. they use rock shox pilot C, and most of the 2002 components listed above mostly stock. Trek fusion computer(nice little toy) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price. I got the 2003 model and i am enjoying it. I havent taken it onto mountains but it handles pretty well for the riding i do inthe city. The seat is uncomfortable and the pedals suck but these things can easily be changed and they are pretty easy. The shocks are nice but have to be loosened up by using the bike alot. I would recomend this bike for anyone starting out or that ride alot. Im not too sure how it handles on mountains but its a nice bike overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Works Brandon, FL | | Strengths: | Suspension, weight, climbing ability. (compared to the previous bikes I have owned) | | Weaknesses: | None, yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800, 920. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have always enjoyed Trek bicycles and this is no exception. This bike is quick and it handles well. I happen to like the suspension, although I really have nothing to compare it to. For others, like me, who enjoy part-time mountain biking without spending large amounts of money, this bike is a fine choice. I gave it 5 chillis because it is the best bike I have owned to date. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Lima, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Lima Schwinn Cyclery and Fitness | | Strengths: | Begs to be sprinted, i love the overall weight of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Could probably use a Rockshox Duke fork and maybe a front disc brake. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first non-department store bike and I am in love. I use it for cross country and transportation. Its perfect for all the trails and roads I ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAVIER LOPEZ
a Weekend Warrior
from NEWARK, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | MAHALON DICKERSON RESERVATION | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | SKI BARN | | Strengths: | LIGHT WEIGHT, DEORE AND BONTRAGER COMPONENTS, FRAME SIZE,FORK AND TIRES (AS LONG AS YOU DON'T GO THROUGH THICK MUD) DECENT PRICE | | Weaknesses: | PEDALS (I HAVE SEEN BETTER PEDALS ON HUFFYs!)TIRES CANNOT HANDLE THICK MUDDY CONDITIONS. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | STOCK (PLANNING TO CHANGE TO CLIPLESS PEDALS ASAP) | | Bottom Line: | OVERALL, A GOOD BIKE FOR THE PRICE. IT HANDLES WELL UPHILL, DOWNHILL, ON SINGLE TRACKS, AND ON WET CONDITIONS. AVOID THICK MUDDY CONDITIONS; CHANGING THE STOCK TIRES WOULD DEFINITELY HELP IT ON THIS TYPE OF TERRAIN. THIS IS A FAST BIKE. LIKE I SAID, THE PEDALS SUCK BIG TIME, MY FEET CAN'T STAY ON THEM LONG ENOUGH.I AM UPGRADING THEM TO CLIPLESS.A FEW UPGRADES COULD BRING THIS BIKE TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL.GOOD BIKE FOR INTERMIDIATE RIDERS, WHO WANT TO GET MORE SERIOUS.I AM GIVING IT THE BEST VALUE RATING POSSIBLE FOR ITS BANG FOR THE BUCK.AS FOR THE OVERALL RATING, IT GETS A FOUR, BECAUSE SOME UPGRADING IS NEEDED. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Racer
from Orlando, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos at Bellview | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bike Shop, Daytona Beach (Best Shop on the Planet!!!!) | | Strengths: | Everything stock on it works great, including the tires. I dont see why people are complaining about them, they worked great for me. | | Weaknesses: | Long time use. After a year and a half of everyday road riding, hundreds of miles of off road use, and racing, Its starting to fall apart. But I did have 4,000 miles on it when I got my new bike (Cannondale F-900SL). | | Similar Products Used: | '00 Specialized StumpJumper A-1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Sweet, Sweet, Sweet, Sweet bike. It went uphill, it went down hill. It did technical, it did speed. It was just awsome. If this is your first bike, this is a hreat choice. I raced it in the 11-14 begginers class in the Florida Spring Challenge Series and got 4th place overall. This is just a sweet bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from new york USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | finger lake trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | swain sport | | Strengths: | this bike is light. the frame alone is lighter than some paintball guns i have had. its like 3.2 lbs | | Weaknesses: | the tires and pedles. YOU MUST GET NEW TIRES | | Similar Products Used: | tones of bikes | | Bike Setup: | i have the stock 02, 4900 with a 2.1in michelin wild griper light fr tire and a 2.1 kenda paddle tire on the back | | Bottom Line: | doller for doller this is a good buy. i almost bought the 4500 but got the 4900. i can dish it out and this bike can take it and more. this is by far my best bike. i have had No problems with it and will keep buying from trek and swain sport. i would give this bike a 5 but nothin is perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportex | | Strengths: | Good frame - stiff, maneuverable and light. Nice components for that money.
Cool color - Matte Black | | Weaknesses: | Fork and pedals. They're awful!!!
Quite soft crankset. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, 4500, 4700, 6700 | | Bike Setup: | RockShox Judy SL '01 fork, LX rear derailleur, Wellgo B-21 pedals, Bontrager Revolt SS tires, Avid SD-7 brakes & levers | | Bottom Line: | Good middle-level bike. Good components (Deore everywhere), yet not very expensive. Some components requre replace - if not immediately then after some time... This bike is good even for hard and extreme use in amateur XC races!
It's only weakness if BAAAD - as I think - fork and uncomfortable - for me - pedals...
So - Everyone invited! :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schtoo
a Cross Country Rider
from Japan
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice frame, good components hanging off that frame (only when not related to Trek that is), I got a full Deore groupset :) | | Weaknesses: | Uhh, well... Cranks, bottom bracket, seatpost too short, tires are POS's and various other niggling things. Funnily enough, all from companies related to Trek. Why is this so? Oh yeah, them Judy C's are a little flexy, but not a weakness, just an observation. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Giant, Specialized, Merida (Taiwanese thing, good!) and most anything with pedals on it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Japanese delivery model. Deore '02 everywhere but where it counts. And some fenders (if you got the rain we do here, you wouldn't be calling me what you are right now... ;) | | Bottom Line: | Well, for the first few hundred km's it was nice, accelerates well, steers fast without being unstable, good balance and just felt right. I was a happy camper.
Then, things started to turn sour. I guess I really started to USE the thing rather than babying it through it's break in period.
I quickly learned that the cranks share their fortitude with Gumby, and the bottom bracket is Gumby's melting cousin. Them pedals are little more than flat things that make grindy noises. The tyre sidewalls are perishing already, and my thing has spent it's entire life either moving or indoors. I decided I wanted a little more legroom, but OH NO the seatpost was maxxed out. No problem, grab another post. Ooops! It's a $&%$&%$ 29.2mm seatpost, try finding one of them. All I want is another inch or two of seatpost (I know what yer thinking, don't!) because my legs are longer than average (but not much).
These were things I did not find before I had the thing for a month or so. After clocking up some serious distance, I realised I needed the extra room and how flimsy the driveline is (it is 9spd, which is nice if not really suited to me) when I pedal it.
If I were less well endowed with leg muscles, maybe I wouldn't have a complaint. And I can't really complain too loudly as, afterall, this isn't a high grade bike. A solid middle level one? Yes of course! So the bits that are failing are upgradable without too much trouble. I just wish I didn't need to upgrade certain parts, preferring to 'wish' to upgrade when I want to.
If it had a stiffer (even heavier would be fine by me, weight ISN'T a problem for me, I just pedal, it goes), stronger driveline, it would be perfect for me. It isn't, but I guess I aint perfect either.
Sorry, it's good, but not great. But it is better than most other offerings for the cash. I'll keep it, but sometimes I wish I bought a single speed commuter thing and saved the $$$ for the frame and parts I want hanging off it. I would buy Trek in the future, but I'll prolly look at better driveline parts before anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester,NY, USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Park Ave Bikes | | Strengths: | This is alot of bike for $540!
I have beat the ever lovin crap out of this bike in the last month and everything is still working great. | | Weaknesses: | pedals & tires ! | | Similar Products Used: | so many i cant remeber | | Bike Setup: | bone stock | | Bottom Line: | The best 540 dollars i spent this year. If i was not a student i would have went for a more expensive bike, but i am really satisfied with this bike, and also im impressed with its performance so far, im a beginer riding with friends who have $4000 set ups , even they are impressed. mabee its with my crazy-ness , who knows.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alfred
a Weekend Warrior
from vernon, ct
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | valley falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | manchester cycle | | Strengths: | greatest strength about this bike is the lightness and durability for the price.. it def. beats a huffy. | | Weaknesses: | umm.. wish it came with clipless pedals, but it doesn't.. so that will be my next up grade | | Similar Products Used: | raleigh m80, trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is if you are going from a huffy to this bike.. it makes so much of a difference .. you wish you would have bought it years ago.. so don't think about it.. it was worth the price you paid.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Astoria, New York
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ninham Mountain/Carmel | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Twin Bikes @ Middle Village | | Strengths: | Everything is well put together, very satisfied with the parts on this bike. A comfortable ride suitable for any type of riding. The tires are great for both on/off road. | | Weaknesses: | The skinny feminine looking stem and bar. Bike seems a bit on the heavy side. My tire popped on glass the first time going out, but that was just bad luck. The Judy fork is very tight, while reading other reviews for this bike others have mentioned they had to tweak it or ride it more to "loosen" it up. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, Trek 6000, Trek 4500, Suzuki GSX-R600 :) | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far, but the first thing I'm going to do is replace the stem and bar! | | Bottom Line: | On the first month of riding I test rode it @ Ninham mountain in Putnam County. This bike went through everything without a problem. It's a good bike you won't regret buying it. It look's good, rides good, what more do you want? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeep Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Grants Pass, OR.
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rogue River | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$505.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Kraft G.P. | | Strengths: | As a entry level rider with plenty of experiance on bikes, this bike, for the money, is the bomb! The choices of componets and frame "gell" together to carry off everything I have tried. It handels well and has the grace to climb better than any other bike in this range. I hunt off this bike and it can take all of the abuse of blasting cross-country, pulling a trailer, and carring me with a pack in search of dinner. Hot Looks too... | | Weaknesses: | Tubes leave a lot to be desired and I am replacing as soon as possiable. Front derailer seems to be to tempremental and sometimes lost. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Schwinn, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Except for tubes-SLIME replacements) | | Bottom Line: | I rode all of the bikes in this price range and found this one to be far superior to all others. I orginally went in to purcahse a more inexpensive Trek. After riding this bike I was sold. The fork most complain about, I like compared to other bikes and applications I have rode. Like i said earlier, I go plenty of places that require a reliable form of transportation and this is it. Bless those boys at Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rattlesnake Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | T-Town Bicycles - The BEST in Tulsa! | | Strengths: | Plush ride, great entry to mid level component group, good looks | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, stock saddle is uncomfortable, Judys up front a little mushy (but that's fixable) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, currently: Deore, and Bontrager, new Trek saddle. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the weekend warrior set. Looks good on the trail or the street, and it rides great. Component group is just aggressive enough to meet most of the needs of an entry to mid level trail rider. Handles singletrack like a champ. Great value. This is one to try out and see just how serious you want to get. Also a great commuter bike (I use it that way, too!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from McMinnville
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Scott's Cycling & Fitness | | Strengths: | Good lightweight bike for the price, alumininum frame has a good feel on downhill single track. | | Weaknesses: | Judy C front shock was a little stiff for the first 3 weeks of riding but after a few hard rides it now performs perfectly! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Schwinn Moab III | | Bike Setup: | Added clipless pedals and bar ends--now ready to ride! | | Bottom Line: | I couldn't be any more pleased with this bike if I tried. It shifts smoothly, is lightweight and comes with descent components all the way around. I bought this bike for weekend rides on single-track up in the mountains. Although I don't race, I do ride fairly aggressively. I actually use it on some very rigorous terrain and it has been holding up without any difficulty--a solid bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Edgewood, MD.
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Susquehanna State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Biketime | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. Decent standard components. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. Judy fork is a little mushy. No clips on pedals. My friends want to ride MY bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Schwinn Predator | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for clips on pedals, cane creek thudbuster seat post, and ridgerunner seat.(yeah my butt feels GOOD) You ride 10 miles, I'll ride 20! | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. I've been riding mine pretty hard at the State Park (water barriers), and have yet to encounter any problems. It needs some upgrades to get it up to par, but it is definitely worth it. Perfect for beginner to intermediate level riders. Advanced riders will probably want to upgrade (disc brakes), but would still be happy with the performance of this bike. I think it outperforms almost all other bikes in this price range. It only gets four chilis on the overall because it could be a bit lighter. Otherwise, perfect! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Nease
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheeler-Davis, CA | | Strengths: | Low price
Decent components
Shocks (judy C's)don't bottom out
very good value | | Weaknesses: | Heavy
rims easily tweaked
chain rings also bent | | Similar Products Used: | My first trec
I liked it better than specialized, KHS, and Fisher's in the same price range | | Bike Setup: | Judy C's, all Bontrager and Deore components, bontrager corvair rims | | Bottom Line: | Of all the bikes in this price range that I test drove the Trek rode the best. It's equipped as well as more expencive bikes and rides great. The Judy C's are heavy but smooth and they don't bottom out like other moderate to low-end shocks. I've ridden it 3 times--hard--I weigh 220 lbs, and it's done fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a
from Houston
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Memorial | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | great bike..with potental to upgrade to as good as it gets. Would buy again. | | Weaknesses: | Headset fell apart first hard ride. Judys, Judys, Judys, and Judys. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900.. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike.. I was injured some time back and had quit riding for a few years.. I decided to try it agian and this is what I ended up with.. the Disc version. I have gone through and upgraded almost everything and now it is heads above anyone I ride with. XTR shifter, XTR front and rear derailer, Race face Turbine Crackset & BB, Chris King Headset, Avid Mechanical Disc, Marzocchi Dirt jumper fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cody
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | backroad bicycle | | Strengths: | frame weight, wheels, handlebars, derailers, rapid fire shifters. | | Weaknesses: | fork until I fixed it so its 100 mm,tires,bottom bracket,pedals, brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | trek mountain lion 60. sweet little bike! | | Bike Setup: | shimano xt cranks, avid front mechanical disc brakes, shimano lx rear brakes, crowbar handle bars, locking grips, 100 mm judy c fork, michelin hot s wildgripper tires. | | Bottom Line: | sweet bike if you know what to do with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Outspoken | | Strengths: | Good working components for the price. Solid frame, upgradable. | | Weaknesses: | If you weigh over 150lbs., save yourself the aggravation of changing tubes on the trail, and the money in buying replacement tubes, and replace the stock tires the day you buy the bike. IRC Mythos are an excellent choice for the price range of someone who would purchase this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Speacialized Rock Hopper, Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for my new tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. You get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Weide
a Cross Country Rider
from UCSB
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | UC Santa Barbara coastline | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Strengths: | Can tell the bike is only worth what I paid for it. That's not a bad thing because I switched out a lot of the stock parts immediately.... | | Weaknesses: | Relatively cheap parts, especially the forks....(I can just about make it over speedbumps with them)The bike, being an entry level mountain bike doesn't leave a large margin for upgrades, notably the ability to run disc brakes, guess I should have thought of that before... | | Similar Products Used: | Lower end Trek models, 4500 etc. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XTR rear/front der., Kona clump stem, Easton Monkeylite SL handlebars, Thomson Elite seatpost, stock rims/tires(not for long) I'll be switching out the brakes also.. | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you plan to not ride over too many big bumps or you plan to upgrade most of the parts.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Psycho
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro,NC,USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Owl's Roost | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Higgin's bike | | Strengths: | A great choice for an entry level hardtail. Comfortable geometry for a controlled ride. | | Weaknesses: | the Judy C is a lame choice for a fork. Components are heavy and the spokes like to loosen up a bit on the Bontrager rims | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Homegrown, Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Answer Pro Taper Bar, Manitou X-vert Air Fork, Deore Crank, Avid Single Digit 7 Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for a very reasonable price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dror Sofer
a Weekend Warrior
from Ankara, Israel
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Weight, good frame, Price/components. Judy C fork works well. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Front derailer can never stay tuned, Seatpost clamp broke and was replaced twice. But it still did not hold so I made small scratches on the seattube to make the sliding stop - It worked. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin. | | Bike Setup: | Wellgo clipless pedals, Bontrager bar ends, Mythos XC 1.95 tires | | Bottom Line: | The bike is good but some small things made me Hate/Love it. The front derailer's cable is probably too springy and the seattube surface is too slick. The Bontrager Jones AC tires are useless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ , USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mountain Park.. National Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | a shop in Tempe | | Strengths: | Very light, tough, well built , great handling, front end really sucks it up for the bucks. Price is right for the components that came with the bike. I dove bomb this bike the first day i had it from 6 ft and it took the shock..Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hold on. The bike really held together fine. Got up, dusted myself off and rode home. Great breaking..when I remembered to use it. The components on this bike really rock for the money. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tubes only lasted a few hours in the AZ desert. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, Haro, Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | Stock with puncture proof tubes and thudbuster seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for someone wanting to enjoy the outdoors at a reasonable price for a well equipped bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels (never go there for bikes, idiots) | | Strengths: | Awesome bike, strong, lightweight frame
Great platform for upgrades
Judy TT fork works well | | Weaknesses: | Fork developed a little play between sanchions and body
Needed better components | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | Koski bar, stem, Deore brakes, cranks,ders., hubs, mavic x221 rims, alivio shifters, SRAM 5.0 cassette, xtr pads, Single digit 7 levers, ahedset ahs, bontrager fs 2000 saddle, thompson elite post | | Bottom Line: | If you want a good entry level hardtail, go with the 49k. It rides well, rides fast, and wont break. Buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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