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Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine Ca
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Fence live trail/Missing Link | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Long Beach | | Strengths: | Durability, Reliability, decent parts for the price. decent climber, and can take it back down most trails. | | Weaknesses: | shifting gets messed up every once in a while, but nothing a tune up won't take care of. front fork is a bit stiff. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level hardtail mountain bike for the price. I've used it for road marathons and single track trail riding. I've had it for 5 years and no significant wear has come about. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AJP
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Any ADK trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | petels and peddles | | Strengths: | Bike has good controal, great frame, i love the setup so basicly everything | | Weaknesses: | one thing, it misshifts every so often, but right now it is extreamly wet so there is alot of mud, any bike would misshift. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money, look forward to new controals, overall its been great even though ive only had it a short while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tiib
a Weekend Warrior
from Budapest, Hungary
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Buda Hills, Hungary | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | A guy | | Strengths: | Strong, nice frame.
Good geometry.
Comes with good components for the price.
Pretty good drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | Incomfortable seat.
Stock fork. (some InSync on '03 series)
Hard to find an ideal seat/handlebar setup. | | Similar Products Used: | '06 Univega Alpina HT-Sky (now) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with '03 Marzocchi EXR fork, Trinity stem, Zoggie handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | Pretty good bike for this price, although I still think a new one's a bit expensive. If you find a good second-hand one, you'll get a reliable entry level xc-bike, with a good brand, and good components. Just get a good fork! :)
For me the only negative thing is, that in almost three years I still haven't been able to find the perfect riding position yet. But it's only my personal problem. Anyway it is a good bike, which I recommend for everybody. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Petar
a Downhiller
from Bitola
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | pelister | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | 08.05.2007 | | Strengths: | It's pretty good bike, i bought it for XC riding, but I ride him like DH sometimes like urban bike. I am satisfied from this product | | Weaknesses: | the fork is the main weakness on this bike, it has short travel(80mm) and it's low quality. You can change it with Rock Shox Tora. I think it would be superb bike for begginers. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | easy | | Bottom Line: | good | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jethro
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Joe's bike shop | | Strengths: | Great frame, Very reliable. | | Weaknesses: | The gears have been messed up since I got it, but it's a Minor problem. | | Similar Products Used: | MT Peak Rally MTB | | Bike Setup: | Computer (Speedometer), Watter bottle holder. | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike as my main form of transportation. I got it to replace a MT Peak Rally MTB that I got at Toys R us. The difference is like day and night. If you have never ridden a quality bike before, and you are considering getting a new bike this summer, consider this one. I have now been riding this bike for over 5 years and it still rides the same as it did the day I got it. You will never go back to Toys R us for a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil Ostenfeld
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville NC
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mmmmycoct | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Liberty Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, functionality, quality, frame, handlebars | | Weaknesses: | saddle, shifters, pedals, stock fork | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Trek 4300 stock except Marzocchi 2007 MX Pro | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for me. don't have a lot of money to spend on biking but I still love it! I have taken this bike pretty much everywhere in bent creek. Places that exceed my abilities. Crashed it a few times. Only thing broke was the reflectors on my pedals. Decided to get a new fork because the RST Gila. wasn't giving me enough travel. it claims to be 80mm travel but most I've gotten is about 30 or 35. and that was when i ran nose first into a rock. bad day. good for climbing, tires aren't bad, want new ones though. Great beginner to intermediate bike. I liked it more than the 4500 model which was about 100 dollars more. Better fit, and if i would say better ride. I like how it looks too. I've taken it off about 2 foot drops it does OK with the Gila, yet to try anything past that with the Marzocchi. Still breaking that fork in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Great Frame! Great handlebars and headset! Wheels are decent, but back one could be replaced after a while. | | Weaknesses: | After a while the gears are kinda wacky, chain slaps the frame all the time. recently (three years after buying it) the forks no longer allow me to adjust them, i have had problems with the forks bottoming out. | | Bike Setup: | Stock besides some lights i put on there, and a ghetto-rigged lizard skin i made from tape and cloth. | | Bottom Line: | the bicycle is good for someone that wants to ride kinda of all around, but be warned they sold it telling me that i could put disc brakes on this bike. You can put them on there, but for good disc brakes it costs more than it does to get another bike! Shock has limited travel, i have ridden this bike too hard, but the frame is still strong and light, i think the frame is the best part! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$345.00 | | Purchased At: | Missing Link, Berkeley | | Strengths: | Very fun to ride, light and responsive. Excellent value. | | Weaknesses: | It's a beginner bike with a somewhat stiff saddle that I think the majority of its intended market won't care for. The next model down at the shop had a much softer and slightly wider seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher | | Bottom Line: | My last personal bike was a Fisher moutain bike bought around 1994, so most of my other experience has been renting and demo'ing bikes, everything from rented stump jumpers to konas to cannondales. That Fisher cost $325 back then and was great for the money at the time. The salesguys called it "a simple around-town bike that can occasionally be used for some trail riding, but nothing serious."
I knew buying a new bike nowadays that things had advanced but I was blown away by how fun this thing is. Very nimble on the peddles, crisp shifting. It just goes where you point it. The extra gears (my fisher had 21) seemed gimmicky, but on long, gradual climbs with my Fisher there were always times when I wanted a gear in between, and this partially solves that problem.
Funny, just like over ten years ago, I got the exact same description for the Trek 4300 from the sales guy, "a simple around-town bike that can occasionally be used for some trail riding, but nothing serious." And I see a lot of these reviewers are saying the same thing. Well, people, let me tell you something, this bike is LIGHT YEARS ahead of that old Fisher.
Knowing what low-end mountain bikes were like over ten years ago, ignore those people saying stuff like "you can't do single track", or whatever. A comparable bike to the Trek 4300 back in '94 would have cost well over a thousand bucks and people were definately banging their bikes up hard on all terrain at that price point back then. The technology has trickled down for us to enjoy - this bike will take just about any beating a beginner can throw at it.
People that think you need to drop $1500 on bike "to ride single-track..." well, they don't know how to ride single-track or their confidence comes from their wallets and not from their riding skill. People have been riding single track just fine well before suspension was the norm or affordable.
Bottom line, don't fall for the myth coming from the credit card commandos. I think an entry level rider could get two or three hard years out of this thing before really needing to upgrade. But on the flipside, if you don't get serious it's still an excellent value. If your ego needs an upgrade and you absolutely must impress the clif bar crowd, then fine, drop another 500 bucks on something else.
My only negative about this bike is the seat. At its price point, the 4300 should come equipped with a slightly wider, softer seat. The moment I mentioned this to the salesguy he launched into this offer to swap the seat for credit on another, as if he was very well-practiced at this talk with customers and saw some potential commision dollars a-coming.
I adjusted the angle of the seat and it took about a week to get used to with daily riding, problem solved. However, for those truly casual riders who just pull the bike out once or twice a month, this is definately not the seat for you. You'll be paying for it for a couple days or more after every ride. Not fun.
Other than the seat, a very solid package and a superb value for entry level riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Cargioli
a Weekend Warrior
from Munroe Falls, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Any Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Strong frame, smooth ride, off-road capabilities, nice components, and overall looks. This bike looks awesome!!! | | Weaknesses: | Stiff seat. I had to tamper with the brakes after taking it out of my car and putting the wheel on. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Timberline | | Bike Setup: | 100% Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The best bike I had before this one was a Huffy and the difference is amazing. You get more for the money out of Trek than any other manufacturer, I shopped around!!! Someday I may upgrade but I think I will keep this bike for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Corvallis Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light frame
High reliability
Versatile bike
Excellent price | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals don't grip well, saddle can definitely be uncomfortable. I have also had trouble with derailleurs (over time -- no immediate problems). Brakes don't grip well in wet weather | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | 21" frame. BMX pedals, better fenders, better pad brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Very excellent bike for your money. Performs well in all conditions, and may be used for everything from mid-distance road trekking to moderate downhill runs. Keep it well-lubed and it will be good to you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Legend Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Cycle | | Strengths: | It has a sturdy reliable frame. And really good pad brakes(just like disc brakes)! | | Weaknesses: | Fork | | Bike Setup: | Nysnc fork(80mm) Shimano V brakes and gears | | Bottom Line: | I think that it is a good bike if you are a beginner at mountain biking and want to get a realiable bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake
a Weekend Warrior
from Cookeville
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Cookeville Bicycles | | Strengths: | Solid Frame to build on | | Weaknesses: | Shocks pop at times, front derailer gets jammed at critical times and I have to gear back down | | Similar Products Used: | Haro V2 | | Bike Setup: | 2005 stock | | Bottom Line: | No sense in spending a $1000.00 to see if you are going to like the sport. This is a great starter bike and a good price. If you later decide you really enjoy the MTB, then you can upgrade on the frame. It is disc brake equipped. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Downhiller
from australia
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | I have the 05 model and the frame is the best part of the bike, looks and strength. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals came loose fast, the fork makes a clicking sound, the gears dont change that smooth and the wheels seem to be slightly buckled. | | Similar Products Used: | notin similar. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike will suit the average rider, you wont have any problems if you just ride without gettin rough too often. if your a recreational rider this bike is perfect, if your an insane rider only get the bike to practice narly stuff on in order to keep your good bikes from harm. I have this bike to practice tricks on because of its light frame. other bikes i have include the specialized demo 8 pro, stinky deelux and norco scrap. I have used this bike for downhill once and its not a fun ride, this bike is however pretty good at jumping and small drops. this bike can take a lot of abuse, ive taken it to hell and back and its still together. it can take 6ft drops ok if your a good rider. keep in mind i dont care if i break this bike. this thing holds together through abusive riding, for the price its a good bike. just dont go too big on it to stay safe :). but to anyone, i suggest you save a bit more and get a better bike, if you want to go fairly big cheap, get a kona scrap, very cheap jumping bike. i got mine for about 500. dont rely on the 4300 if you are really into mtbing.enjoy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from East Meadow, New York
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bethpage | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Most of the stock parts are top of the line for the price.
| | Weaknesses: | The stock pedals could have been better. I actually put a good set of BMX pedals on them. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, right out of the shop. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bake after racing BMX for 10 years. If you're on a tight budget, this is the bike for you. I have been hitting some good trails and this bike can definitely take the moderate to heavy abuse!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Ekkel
a Cross Country Rider
from Vroomshoop ( Ov) NL
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | budget Bikes (klos tweewielers) | | Strengths: | The frame nis strong and very light ( Alpha SL type 2005)
Color: Orange metalic/ Charcoil) Very good for any further upgrades like Deore, and stuff like that... | | Weaknesses: | Mayby the saddle, but that is a personel thing also on a 600 dollar bike..... | | Similar Products Used: | Old ATB's, not worth mention it.... | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike, just mounted some Bontranger "bull Horns" on the crowbar steer. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first NEW ATB. For this amount of money, it's avery good bike, shifting these Alivio gears is like you drive a big V 8 chevvy automatic!! Great! of course, if you want a more profesional bike, buy a Trek 8500 or 9.8 Elite!
A'm verry happy with it and looking forward to ride across,
Holland's most ATB routes. ( sorry if some words may contain any spelling errors, i'm Dutch you know......) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hien
a Cross Country Rider
from california
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the loup | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | rock'n'road cyclery | | Strengths: | all the parts on the bike are high quality.for the two years that i have had the bike it has always out performed the other bikes that i have ridden | | Weaknesses: | not for the hard core downhill rider | | Similar Products Used: | TREk 4100 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | if you dont have alot of money and want a high quality bike that you know will last forever this is the bike for you. this bike is an entry level bike not intended for downhill use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Han
a Weekend Warrior
from Flushing, New York
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | The cosmetic of the bike is awesome. I love the bright yellow-grey-black color of the bike. The price is amazing for a great bike brand and the components the bike came with. | | Weaknesses: | The chain has came off several times when I am in the middle of switching gears. It might be that the bike needs a tune up, but what ever the reason for this malfunction, it has been very bothersome. | | Bottom Line: | I believe for $250, this is the best available bike out there. I would shell out $300 for this bike without much of a thought. This is one of the best novice level mountain bike in the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Doe
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | EVERYTHING at Whistler, BC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs Cycle | | Strengths: | Super strong super light frame, pretty good derailer, very good disc brakes (optional), shifters | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, handal bar, derailer cannot handle to much | | Similar Products Used: | Other trek bikes, motivs, giant, specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line here is that for the price this Trek bike is a very good buy. I think anyone who has bought this will think the very same thing. I had a motiv earlier but the dereailier kept breaking off and I thought it was about time to get a new bike. I went to many stores to check out what they had. I had my eye on a Trek bike and didn't want to spend to much money and thats when I found this bike. The Trek 4300. I fell in love with its super light super strong frame, shimano parts and most of all its disc brakes. I spent around $450 for this bike and so far nothing has happened to it. I've been riding it hard for the past week. Hitting trails, jumps, and cliffs. I hit a 6ft cliff and landed and got off my bike and to my surprise nothing had happened to it. Its just so light I can barely feel it under me. I do a lot of plain riding and since its so light and its 8 speed its perfect for going pretty good distances. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryce
a
from Cody, Wyoming, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | dry fork | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Absorka Bike Shop | | Strengths: | smooth ride, very manuverable, strong and very light parts and frame. | | Weaknesses: | nothing that every new bike doesn't have | | Similar Products Used: | trek 800 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for fenders | | Bottom Line: | great bike, two days after i bought it i went on my first real mountain biking adventure and i was in love the bike was very easy to get used to and keep on the road, i was catching air on my first day and i loved it and would reccomend it to any one i hiled the bike up hill for half a mile and it was so light it was hardly there. it was really easy to get used to and ride even for a chunky guy like me.
over all it is a strong bike and if your not going to jump it off a cliff (on Purpose) it will surve you for mountain and urban.
if you are begining or upgrading this is a good way to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Liam
a Cross Country Rider
from Flint Hill, VA USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeStop | | Strengths: | Cheap price; good for an introductory bike or weekend bike outings. Pretty good warranty from Trek. | | Weaknesses: | For cross country, single track the cheap parts did not hold up; the bike is also too heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | standard except for Shimano M515 clipless pedals and Bontrager bar ends. Added a Sigma Sport 600 computer. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike thinking I wasn't going to do much mountain biking, but I really started to get into it and like it. And since I am going to start racing, it was time for an upgrade. I just got a custom Trek 8500 from BikeStop.If you just want a bike to ride around every once and awhile, the 4300 is fine. If you want to do some real single track, I would get the 4900 or the 6700. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Nebeker
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis & Clark Monument | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack, Omaha, NE | | Strengths: | Value and durability. | | Weaknesses: | See below | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Nashbar flat-bar, Cool-Stop brake pads, and Cat-Eye Enduro computer | | Bottom Line: | This was my first mountain bike. As a forty-something 10K runner, former roadie, and 70s era motocrosser, this bike was my rite of passage into the sport. For that reason it served its purpose well. However, once bitten by the MTB bug I learned the 4300 had some shortcomings. First, the front brakes squealed badly and required constant toe-in adjustment. I replaced the stock pads with Cool-Stops and this eliminated some of the problem, but they continued to require adjustment. Second, the seat post tended to slip ever so slightly after intense single-track riding. You need to keep your eye on it. Third, it is a recreational frame bike and as such it puts you in a more upright riding position. While this has its benefits, you pay the price on long, steep climbs. You have to lean on the front end to keep the bike’s nose planted. Fourth, because the 4300 is an entry-level bike, it is rather heavy, about 32.5 lbs. sans water bottles and tool-pouch. Despite these minor critiques I have to say that dollar for dollar this bike was worth every penny of the $330.00 I paid for it. Maintenance-wise, this ride was virtually hassle-free. In ten months I put over 1500 miles on it, many of which were on gnarly single-track in Nebraska, Iowa, and Colorado. For those on a budget I heartily recommend this bike as a great entry level ride. But if you are a serious rider and anticipate more intense cross-country riding, then you may want to consider the 4900 as an alternative entry-level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan C
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | Sierra Cyclesmith | | Strengths: | Affordable, durable, reasonable components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes squeak LOUD, derailleurs need frequent tweaking, front shock not very smooth, saddle uncomfortable on longer rides; BUT, at this price these things are excusable. | | Similar Products Used: | GF, Specialized test-ridden in same price bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic love seat! Avid SD7 brakes, Marzocchi Z4 bomber dual coil FS, XTR/Mavic 517 wheelset, WTB Weirwolf 2.1's | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike! I like long, slow grinding rides and this is perfect. I'm too slow and clumsy to get this thing up in the air or otherwise hit anything hard/fast enough to break anything. The LBS includes free tune-ups for 12 months and they showed me how to do it myself when my freebies were over. The replacement FS, brakes and wheelset I got cheap on Ebay and I end up with a much nicer bike than a Trek 4900. I also learned a lot about bike maintenance and repair, too. If I again wanted a $300 bike I would again buy the 4300. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LARRY NEWMAN
a
from Tucson Az
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tortolita Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Tucson Bicycles | | Strengths: | 2004 Trek 4300: Price, lightness and smooth shifting lever's, and the Black Matte looking frame color! | | Weaknesses: | seat was very uncomfortable, so far that's it.. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Alta | | Bike Setup: | added a front Cat Eye LED headlight, adding a Cat Eye tail light and Cat Eye Computer, had shop put thornproof tubes in when it was delivered from Trek before assembly. A must in Arizona. A new seat from Specialized, BG Comfort seat for men. | | Bottom Line: | Good bang for the buck, the lightness impresses everyone, a great buy for a beginner or a biker who has not ridden or had a good bike in a long time, you can pay more for better bikes, but this one is a great value for the casual biker who rides on pavement or a turn down an easy trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Warr
a Weekend Warrior
from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | good fork | | Weaknesses: | rims, derauiller | | Similar Products Used: | CCM heat, supercycle garbage | | Bike Setup: | factory | | Bottom Line: | I paid $625 Canadian for this bike. It was a big waste of money. This is the worst bike you can buy for the money. First of all wheni first got the bike within 3 days the derauiller seized up even after i oiled it. Then then at day 9 the rear sprocket broke off. So i got a new derauiller and sprocket. Then after hitting a jump on day 11 the rear rim bent and the front one was mangled after a branch locked in between the spokes. I had to pay $200 for 2 new rims. then about on day 28 the arm on the crank snapped off which caused the crank to fall of and break when it hit the road. I ended up getting a whole new crank. About a month later the handlerbars bent and the front derauiller broke as well and the rapid fires snapped off. I traded this crappy bike in and bought a Specialized which was $999 canadian and it hasent broke after 6 months of riding. If you have any questions email me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Andover, MA.
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to list | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$349.00 | | Purchased At: | Belmont Wheelworks | | Strengths: | Great ride. All of the components seem to work together without complaint. This is my first aluminum frame and I do indeed like its ride. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle and wheels could stand to be a little better. However the are still o.k. The peddles are not the best either, but are still a pleasent surprise concidering the price. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M-50 which I promply traded in for this Trek. The Raleigh M-50 was my original purchase and it was an aweful bike. The Trek 4300 eats the Raleigh alive. | | Bike Setup: | No changes as of this posting. | | Bottom Line: | For the price, you cannot go seriously wrong with the 4300. I was impressed and suggest that you give this bike serious concideration especially those who are recreational mountain bikers. A friend of mine has a 2001 model that he has been using for downhilling and stunt riding. That bike has shrugged off most of that beating and is still going strong (except for a few component replacements which is quite normal for any bike and rider). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
richard
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ? any ? | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | everything, for the money, except........ | | Weaknesses: | crankset, tyres | | Similar Products Used: | old balance al450 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i have a 2004 model in lava dome black. For the money this bike rocks. It was all i could afford at the time, but i would not give it up now. The frame is light, supple and very tough, the wheel set is OK, nothing special but does the job and the matrix rims are very tough. The fork is insync 323 fork is ok once its bedded in and actually gets quite smooth after a while (ive done around 2000 miles on this bike) the finishing kit is the same as most treks, even the more costly models. The mechs are not super light and the front does require quite frequent adjustment.
If you want a bike on a budget that will do almost everything you ask of it, buy this bike. My answer to anyone who complains about the components on this bike is, you get what you pay for, dont buy a budget bike and expect it to come with all the bells and wistles, you tight arse, you should have spent more and bought a 6000 series trek instead | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatchewan
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, good mechanical disc brakes, resonable wheels, good comfortable saddle. Lifetime frame warrenty. | | Weaknesses: | Crankset (the rings are riveted on, what's with that?) Fork, might as well have a rigid fork for all the good it does, basically just wrecks what would otherwise be a good handling bike. Spokes, had to replace all the spokes in the back wheel, the crappy black coated spokes just don't hold up, put in DT stainless instead and haven't had a problem. Seatpost, it should have angle adjustment on it. Heavy damn bike, weighs almost as much as my freeride hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Sasquatch, Cannondale F1000 | | Bike Setup: | Right now I have ICR slicks on it, panniers and rack, PD-M515 pedals, and a cateye computer. Also lowered the handle bar down about 1.5" and switched the elastomers in the fork around so it is plusher. | | Bottom Line: | This is in addition to the review I did a year ago. The bike is a 2002, lately I've been using it for touring, it has about 1700 miles on it since the middle of the summer. Some things that I've noticed in that time. The Sram cassette is already toast, however my chain is also way past it's prime too so that may have wrecked the cassette. I took the fork apart and cleaned and greased it, also switched the elastomers around, fork works a little better, but still is a piece of crap. I need a new crankset, Trek cheaped out with the Suntour cranks, you can't even change the rings. This is a really heavy bike for what it is, weighs more then my friends Steel Walmart bike, why? Derailers are crap and need to go as soon as I have money. Seat is comfortable for 90+ mile rides, but what is up with the non-adjustible seatpost that weighs a ton? Rims are awesome for the price, so are hubs, but they cheaped out on the spokes which break if you look at them the wrong way, replaced the back ones with DT stainless 15gauge, not a problem now. Overall a good bike for beginners or people who want a good non-race trail frame that they can slowly upgrade to better parts, but why not just buy a 4900 and save the trouble? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Weekend Warrior
from BRONX,NY
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | van cortlandt/urban jungles | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | metro bicycles(15th&6th)nyc | | Strengths: | can't beat the colors,light frame,price,rimsand did i metion PRICE!!! | | Weaknesses: | the saddle will have you sore for day, pedals are cheap, handle bar too high,shimano acera, need i say more | | Similar Products Used: | '01 raleigh m80 | | Bike Setup: | stock for now, until i can afford better part | | Bottom Line: | the bike has been pretty good to me(hasn't broke yet),can handle alot of abuse. the paint is incredible(like a can of sunkist).disk brake option (once you can afford them),and did i metion the price(270.)can't beat that with a bat, great for week'enders and beginners, pro's need not apply | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$385.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tek | | Strengths: | I have the 04 Black Model. Awesome appearance. Trek Reputation. Not a lot of investment. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting can be rough under stress otherwise not an issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Ranger POS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first MTB. I have ridden a little over 1000 miles in the 2 + months I have owned this bike. I am very happy with the bike. It hasn't let me down once yet. I strictly ride on pavement and trails. I haven't even had a flat with the Bontrager Connection tires. (thorn tubes + slime)
I recommend this bike for anyone that wants to log 10-12 miles per day on trails. I don't do any of the rough stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
borj lejano
a Weekend Warrior
from manila
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | extreme bicycles | | Strengths: | looks, weight, strength | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | trek 4300 '04 frame (black), deore set up, avid discs, judy c '03 rock shox | | Bottom Line: | Luckilly, the dealer gave in in just selling me only the frame since i thought the other parts that came stock with it was'nt that good. I really like how the frame looks (black matte) and i thought the rear disc mount on the frame was quite nifty. Also, it's weight is just right and so far, i have not encountered any problems with it.Well, considering the fact that i'm only a weekend warrior, i'm pretty sure that even if i push the frame to the hilt, it won't fail me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garrett Hunt
a
from RICHMOND, Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | "Dirt Hills" | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's (Local Bike Shop) | | Strengths: | Frame, rims, fork is ok for what I use it for, seat, shifters, pedals | | Weaknesses: | CRANKSET!!!! (got loose, stripped, fell off; bent) | | Similar Products Used: | Wal mart crap, GT Palomar (crap and got stolen), Diamondback Outlook (crap) | | Bike Setup: | Removed pedal and front reflectors, added Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur, took off that plastic thing behind the cassette, crakset will be ordered soon | | Bottom Line: | FIRST OFF, THIS IS A REVIEW FOR THE 2004 TREK 4300, NOT HE 2003. This bike is great for the price. Only thing I have to complain about is the crankset! It got loose, stripped, fell off, then the chainring bent. The rest of the bike is great! I know that other reviewers have complained about the fork, but I weigh 170 and it's fine for me. But please keep in mind that this is my first bike with any suspension, so I naturally love it! I did upgrade the rear derailleur because I got it as a gift. The old one (Shimano Alivio) was fine, but the Deore XT is noticeably better. I love the shifters as they are the rapid fire style. I used to have the crappy drift shift that broke every 2 months on my old bike, and if that sound like you, you will love the rapid fires on this bike! Also, the frame is very light, and I love it. If you have any questions or want adive on this bike, feel free to email me by clicking on my name in blue at the top of the review. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Newton
a Weekend Warrior
from Irving, Tx
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | BICYCLES PLUS (COPPELL) | | Strengths: | Great frame (same as 8000 series 4yrs ago) Upgradeable to disc in the front. Decent fork for a beginner. Nice sharp steering, and great weight in a beginner bike. | | Weaknesses: | Needs better seat, and you must get new pedals. The stock pedals suck. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ the exception of the removal of reflectors, and the addition of head/tail lights. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the beginner and intermediate rider. Works great on fairly technical trails. 5 foot drops can be taken on this bike with ease. Frame is outstanding for a bike under 400. A better bike than most on the market that cost 6 to 800 dollars. You cannot go wrong with this bike, plus you get treks great frame warranty. BUY IT FROM BYCYCLES PLUS. Great store that will hook you up as long as you have the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Brewstere
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | light, very good beginner bike, not too expensive | | Weaknesses: | the derailleur and shifters get messup up often, seat isn't too good, fork is so-so | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | Borntrager handlebar, Shimano Acera derailleur, various base shimano parts | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for over two years, and pretty much the only work i've had to do on it is ffix a couple of flats. I am planning on upgrading the fork and seat/seatpost, but on this bike, it isn't necessary to upgrade. I've had the same aprts for 2 years and haven't done one thing to them. One minor annoyance in general: the kickstand is really annoying when mountainbiking, as it makes various noises when you go over roots and rocks. Overall, a good beginner/intermediate recreational bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the fast ones | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | family cycle center | | Strengths: | Good frame has held up to everything iv'e put it through this is for the '02. | | Weaknesses: | The fork could have been nicer, bottomed it so many times it barely works, wheels come out of true very easily off a 2 footer they semi-tacoed | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coiler | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike serves as my back up one now as I have a new bike. It held up very well and is a great bike for the money. Handles well on downhill. The only real thing holding this bike back is the fork, the o'3 and 0'4 are much better( my sister and uncle own them) the new fork is a little plusher and the 0'4 comes with better rims. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JaY
a Weekend Warrior
from coquitlam, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sfu, coq river | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Cap's bicycles | | Strengths: | light strong frame, TiGht lookin frame (nice paint job), nice price and the disk break option is kwel too. components are fine for me but other may want lighter, higher end stuff. shifting is pretty smooth and quiet (at least for now... life time warrenty on frame
| | Weaknesses: | hard saddle, but maybe i just have to break it in
| | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon, norco storm (demo'ed both ) | | Bike Setup: | stock for now but as my sKillZ get better, so will my components i hope... | | Bottom Line: | I bought the 2004 model (the black one of course!)this is my first real mt. bike. i got it for health and recreational reason (training to be a police officer). for me, this is a HeLLa nice bike. from what i've researched the components aren't the best, but they're good enough for me and i can always up grade them when my skills improve(check out the spec's at the trek web site). i haven't had trouble with the fork yet and the price of the bike was well within my range. a good entry LeVeL bike at a reasonable price...
5 for value cuz... well it's an affordale bike that wont break the first time you ride it.
5 overall cuz it looks TiGht, affordable and can be when needed upgraded | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leroy Leroni
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey, BC
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Delta Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps - South Shore Cycles (Delta) | | Strengths: | I just bought 2004 version of the TREK 4300 (Matte Lava Black/Matte Black). The whole package looks very stunning, highlighted by BLACK WTB SpeedDisc rims w/ Shimano Alvio Mechanical Disk Brakes. The frame is essentially the same type used throughout TREK's 4000 series. Moreover, the SL ALPHA Aliminum frame is lightweight and capable of aggressive cross country. With decent upgrades, and a little tinkering, the 4300 is a great baseline towards building a speedy racer or all mountain explorer. | | Weaknesses: | Essentially, I’ve found no weaknesses due to the fact my bike is only 3 weeks old. Plus, I'm a lightweight rider at 150 lbs. But at a very tempting price point, it’s pretty obvious you’re not going to get top of the line components. Depending on your riding style, you may have to replace some of the components right away. Moreover, you can always get lighter and faster components if you carry the desire to build a faster machine. But overall, my first upgrade would be towards replacing the InSync grind 323 front forks. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Stratos, Specialized Rockhopper, Cove Stiffee | | Bike Setup: | Removed all the reflectors and the plastic chainstay on the rear cassette. The bike is essentially stock for now.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great value for anyone entering the world of mountain biking. With a strong/lightweight frame, and decent upgrades, this bike is more than capable of becoming a speedy performer on your local single tack or fireroad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Thomas
a Racer
from St.Albert, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | None, but I love bmx tracks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle | | Strengths: | Just getting back to you all on those InSync grind 323 shocks on the 2004 Trek 4300. As it turns out, a compression rod bounced out of place (my fault), and as I was bouncin around it got bent (also my fault). Now I have gotten the rod straightened out, and the shocks have never been better. | | Weaknesses: | I must now say that this bike has absolutely no weaknesses. It's the best you can get for the money. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Bushpilot | | Bike Setup: | Body Geometry seat, Trek tailight, trek headlight... | | Bottom Line: | A very good starter bike for anyone who wants to learn jumping, or who hasnt totally decided their riding style yet. Definetly gives you a taste of a professional hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville, Georgia
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | not sure yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Strong durable frame. Decent pedals. Decent tires. Overall good components | | Weaknesses: | Shocks are ok. I bottom out pretty easily and i only weigh about 95. Also dont loosen the shocks too much becuse i loosened them too much and went off a small jump and the spring shot out at me and hit me in the throat. OUCH!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Decent overall bike, I cant saay much about it because i havent had it for very long but so far i love it. So if your just getting into biking get this bike its great and best of all its a TREK!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Tallinn
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | -Frame (buy 17' definetly)
-Rims | | Weaknesses: | -Pedals
-Tires
-Handlebar, grips
-Seat
-Stem | | Bike Setup: | -Ritchey Motovader 2.4x26 tires
-Specialized Spedialrize Handlebar
-Ritchey TGV Grips | | Bottom Line: | A very good beginning bike! Believe it or not, 9 and 10-foot drops have been done on it! it's unbelievable how tough the frame is... Though after these extreme drops it began to loose its strenght... So for those who hasn't yet decided his style of riding, it's a PERFECT bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Thomas
a Racer
from St.Albert, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | None, but I love bmx tracks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle | | Strengths: | First note, I actually have the 2004 Trek 4300. This bike looks amazingly cool, due to it's matte paint and not glossy. The pedals must have been improved, because you all say they are not so good, but I find that they are extremely tacky and stick to my feet. The rear shifter (now alivio hardware) is great and comparable to the 2003 Norco Bushpilot. The front derauiller has no problems, its great and ive only had to tune it one time. The rapid fire shifters are a great advance over the once-cool grip shifters. The Frame is also very strong, I have had no problems with it as of yet. The double wall rims are tough as they come for this price range too. | | Weaknesses: | The InSynch shocks are worthless, the preload coils get totaled after a couple jumps. Thats the only thing I am unsatisfied with about this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Bushpilot | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for removal of some reflectors. | | Bottom Line: | I would suggest this bike to anyone who wants to just get started with mountain biking. Its nice and light, and its gear ratios are just right for keeping those catwalks up. The brakes are tip top, well able for stoppies and the like. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Davenport, IA USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Great River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | Jerry & Sparky's | | Strengths: | Over sized tube, light weight Alpha alloy frame. | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat. | | Bike Setup: | Etrex handle bar mounted GPS. Wellgo clipless MTB pedals. Cateye head and tail lights. Lemond handle bar bag. Navagator 200 comfort seat. | | Bottom Line: | I am 260 pounds and 73" tall. I needed a strong bike that could take the punishment. The Alpha alloy frame with the larger tubes was just the ticket for me. I road the bike about 600 miles training for RAGBRAI. After the first 200. The seat had to go. It was hard and did not fit my frame size. A co-worker bought a Navagator 200 the same time I got the 4300. He was complaining the seat was to big for him. I suggest we swap. Problem resolved for both of us. Seats should be fitted to your body size. So I wont count it against the bike. I replaced the tires with Bontrager Invert B 1.5" for RAGBRAI. I was not going on 450 mile of pavement on nobbies. These tires are great. Excellent roll out on pavement. But still have good bite on gravel, sand, and dirt. I ride the Great River Trail along the Mississippi. Families and day trippers use it allot. I hit the grass to go out around idots and families walking with kids. Going on and off the path is no problem at all. The tires grip and I dont have to slow down. I have had no problems with the bike. While on RAGBRAI I had to adjust cable stretch on the shifter cables. No big deal. RAGBRAI this year was hilly. The gears made the difference on some of the more nasty hills. Some were +10% grade and long. I hit 40 MPH on the down hill side of these hills. A person my size with the momentum generated. Braking was excellent. Also the bike was very stable at high speed. Absolutly no vibration or wobble. Every day all day long I got complements about this bike. From riders and spectators alike. The orange frame with blue trim and rims is a real eye catcher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
El Nad
a Cross Country Rider
from Québec, QC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mont Ste-Anne | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Olympe | | Strengths: | - Good frame
- Not too heavy
- Mtb bike are so different from old 80s ones.
| | Weaknesses: | - Seat is bad. It hurts after 30 minutes.
- Brake SUCKS, Need to change to Arch Rival 50 fast.
| | Bike Setup: | Trek 5200 with a Terry Liberator saddle | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike. Really need to continue to upgrade different parts. With the new brake, I will have the possibility to follow my friends since the bike for now can stop for 15 minutes and after that, there is nothing left in the levers. For a 300$ US bike, the part do the job but not perfectly, like 1500$ bike.
Keep up the good work Trek. Your frame DEFINITELY rocks.
From Québec, Canada, I salute everybody, english canadiens, americans, europeens, and everybody else. Have a great life on your mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Lam
a Cross Country Rider
from Coquitlam, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Coq River | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$454.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps | | Strengths: | Absolutely looks mean, great black paint, Disc option = sick stopping power, light frame, great rims and decent drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | Could have a higher end fork. Would upgrade to Rock Shox if i had money. The pedals could use some work... first ride and slipped already | | Similar Products Used: | Zellers crap, Jeep Cherokee Crap | | Bike Setup: | Complete Stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike. I paid 636 Canadian which is within my budget. Ive researched a lot of other bikes and Trek just tops the rest especially in the entry level range of bikes. It looks more expensive than it really is which is also great. Excellent frame. Entry level riders: GET IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James C Flores
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Not sure yet... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Inc. | | Strengths: | So far...and only on semi-rugged terrain and sidewalks of varying smoothness - easy shifting, smooth ride, great orange and blue paint! | | Weaknesses: | hard seat, brakes work fine but sometimes squeak. | | Similar Products Used: | None... | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | VERY fun bike so far! Replacement for a road bike that is just too limiting for daily conditioning rides where I live (not enough long smooth stretches). The TREK 4300 seems to be the perfect solution from a trusted source. Am putting my cushy road bike seat on it though...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Collins
a Weekend Warrior
from Markham, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Hill tract | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath | | Strengths: | light frame, easy to handle, smooth shifting, half decent forks (takes impact off arms/shoulders), not hard on pocketbook, great paint/grfx | | Weaknesses: | hard saddle, needs more gears (27 would be nice) | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | first bike I've bought since I was like 14, have used it about 6 times, off road single track trail rides with tricking obstacles (bridges, logs, teeter-totters) and I am
thoroughly impressed with the 4300, wasn't the cheapest or most expensive bike ($470 canadian) but it fit my budget and haven't had one problem yet, the seat sucks and your ass will hurt so get a gel cover or new seat. Great bike for the price, seems very durable. Unlike the other reviews, I have no complaints with the insync grind 323 fork (I weigh about 165 - 170lbs)*** HOWEVER, if you are going to buy a new bike, spend a bit more then I did and get at least the trek 4900, if I had the money (about $720) I would have.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lebanon Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good solid frame. Good entry level shifters and derailuars (I haven't had any problems at least). Easily upgradable. Affordable. | | Weaknesses: | Weak wheels for off road use. Not so good brakes. Awful saddle. The Insync 323 fork is a joke. It is only a 24 speed. | | Similar Products Used: | Old rigid 10 and 18 speed mountain bikes back from the time before my driver's license (4 1/2 years ago). Most recently a Marin Rocky Ridge to take over the 4300's off road duty. | | Bike Setup: | Flat bar, shorter stem, bar ends, Avid Single Digit 7 brakes (a great improvement), bike computer, semi-slick tires, clipless pedals. My 4300 is now my pavement bike. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for in town riding. It has a good frame, its good for upgrading, it costs a little more than a department store bike but is a whole lot better, and the best thing is that it got me into biking again. Overall this is a great bike for someone that is just getting into biking and doesn't know if they'll become serious or not. That was the position I was in. I wanted a bike that I didn't have to pay tons of money for, just in case it turned out I didn't like biking that much. Compared to the old 10 and 18 speeds, this is bike is awesome.
It cannot withstand semi-aggressive off road trails. The brakes always made noise and/or needed adjusting. The saddle is awful (for me at least). The InSync 323 fork is worthless. Your skill levels will outgrow the bikes abilities fast, you'll be wishing for something nicer even faster. I bought it in the spring when I didn't have much money. The bike got me by until I had enough money to buy a better bike.
If your a casual rider, this bike will do just fine. If your going to become a serious single tracker like me, get something better from the beginning.
4 chilis for Value since overall it is a good package, but still needs some improvements (like the brakes and saddle). However, in stock form, it can get you to your destination just fine. For around $300, you can't do any better.
3 chilis for Overall because your skill levels out grow the bike way too fast and because this bike doesn't even come close to the expensive bikes out there. If you ride a $1,000 bike you will see what I mean. I can't find it in my heart to give it 4 or 5 just because it isn't the same as a mid to high end level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Grissom
a Cross Country Rider
from Ms
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wolf river | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$363.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Pacelines | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn trash | | Bottom Line: | I just bought this bike but so far i really like it ,and i think this bike is going to be good ,but may need some upgrading | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Nice cheap bike that comes with disc brakes. The frame is strong and good quality, also very well finnished. Acera drive train works suprisingly well. Very powerful and easy to maintain disc brakes (Hayes) | | Weaknesses: | The RST Capa fork is usless, it has no travel and is way to flexy, the flex in the fork greatly reduces the handling of the bike on tight single track. Also the crankset is pretty cheaply made, the bike would benefit from a splined BB and possible a LX crankset. Handlebars and stem are more suited to a comfort bike then a serious mountain bike. Also the bike should weigh about 26lbs at the most, not 30lbs, but this is mostly due to cheap, heavy components | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F1000, Norco Sasquatch | | Bike Setup: | original stock setup with Shimano PD-M515 clipless pedals and a seatpost mount rack that I take off in summer. Cateye computer | | Bottom Line: | This bike makes an excellent entry level mountain bike, that can still keep up when your skills advance. With a decent shock and crankset it would make an excellent trail bike for experianced riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Puckett
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 310.00 | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for going out and having fun | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Clancy
a Cross Country Rider
from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes and Pedals | | Strengths: | Good solid frame | | Weaknesses: | Front and rear acera derauilers | | Similar Products Used: | Wal-Mart Trash | | Bike Setup: | Store | | Bottom Line: | I paid $540 plus tax canadain, in the first 5 days of riding no jumping at all the back derauiler snaps and im 12 km from home i take it to a shop they put a brand new one on. I take it back to the bike store i bought it from they fix it, 2 days later the brand new acera derauiler seizes up and i cant pedal my bike so i have to walk it home. I take the bike into the shop again the fix it now after one and a half months of riding it is fine, Now the front derauiler snaps off. I take the bike in they put a brand new one on they keep asking me what i do to it i just said ride it i never even took the bike off a jump. After 2 and a half months of riding im 40km from my house and the handlebar bolt snaps now i dont even have a bike to ride I have to call my friend he picks me up we take it to the shop they replace it . No its been 3 months i hope nothing else breaks. Do not buy this bike. I suggest paying 1600 Canadian and buying a Rocky Mountain Grind or any Norco bike over 500 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Doering
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Reynolds Cycle (London) | | Strengths: | Good Frame, Brakes are solid, excellent tires/rims combination | | Weaknesses: | Shocks are spongy, soft and hard to keep lubed up
Gears stick regularly at the derailleurs
Pedals are horrible | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhorse Maverick | | Bike Setup: | Completely Stock... Needs new pedals desperatly
| | Bottom Line: | I weigh 230 and have destroyed two sets of the stock pedals already, tearing the bearings apart once and bending the steel shaft two weeks later on a new pair.
Decent bike, my first good mountain bike, but will need upgrades to keep up with the 35 km a day I put on it
Trek cheaped out on some of the components | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from starkville
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$339.00 | | Purchased At: | the bicycle shop | | Strengths: | price, comfort, and features for the price | | Weaknesses: | pedals are a little lame | | Similar Products Used: | junk from wal-mart | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I am glad that I had a cheap bike first so that I can really enjoy a good bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Belle Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Agees | | Strengths: | good looking bike, solid frame for XC, decent wheels & tires... I like the ergo's | | Weaknesses: | FORK !! (what a joke), brakes need adjusted after every ride, Crankset not strong enough for big hits (upgrade to splined ASAP), 9 speed train would work better on this ride | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Gary Fisher, Specialized (entry levels) | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300, Marzocchi EXR Fork, Kore (0 degree) Stem, RaceFace Prodigy XC (splined)Crankset, LX Front Derailleur, stock wheels, Maxxis Ignitors 2.35, stock controls | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet entry level ride for weekend warriors or rec. riders. Definately NOT for over 200 lb'ers...the fork is SOFFFFFFT and flexy as h3ll. The brakes (same as Walmart bikes) need constant adjust. I think Trek threw some low end components on a good frame to get this bike in the 300's ($$$) If you take bigger hits or weigh over 190 you will definately be buying a fork. I'm 210 and I bottomed it out (at it's stiffest adjust) coming off a 6 inch curb and it tops out like crazy too. TREKKERS, it's worth a couple hundred more to upgrade to the 4900 (with Pilot fork and Deore components) I ride 3-5 times a week at least twice a week on trails and if I had it to do over I woulda gone with the 4900. The 4300 got my attention with it's looks. Orange color scheme is sweeeet. With my new fork, drive train and derailleurs I have the bike I want. If you're on a budget, get this bike. If you can spend 500 or more the 4900 or 6700 are "No worry, buy and ride" bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunrise FL ,USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The frame is awesome and the paint looks great. The shocks are great for what I need them for. It's a Trek. | | Weaknesses: | The shifter sucks, hangs up when you really need it. I bent the rear wheel after three good rides. The seat doesn't tilt. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820. | | Bike Setup: | Standard, Except Shimano M515 clipless. Will be ungrading components as they wear out. | | Bottom Line: | This is a Awesome starter bike. I love it, and would recommend to anyone who is getting into mountain biking. Has some small things I would improve on, but for the money who can complain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Crossinggum
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans (London) | | Strengths: | Aesthetically, the over-size frame looks great, that combined with the grey/polished finish on the 2003 model I bought. I went for the disc brake option, which adds another £100 (or equivalent) to the cost, but if you cycle in urban areas as I do on the whole, then it's worth it for the peace of mind alone, in that they're very effective. I find the gear change very smooth and easy to use, which is great when you're trying to get away from traffic lights and such.
| | Weaknesses: | Disc brake set-up looks very complex, in terms of maintenance, if like me your techincal knowledge of these things is limited!
Comes orginally with a saddle which (I thought) would more suit a tourer, and belies the bike's "sporty" looks. | | Similar Products Used: | A very cheap chain-store MTB, no real comparison to the Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Hutchinson Python Gold tyres, Selle XO saddle. Remainder is stock. | | Bottom Line: | For the money, you're getting a bike which essentially looks more expensive than it is, and feels very solidly put together overall. I set myself a definite price limit, as I mostly use the bike weekends only, and I think the Trek 4300 represents a real investment, and not a pile of money sitting there Monday to Friday.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Murray
a Downhiller
from Huntsville
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A.O Trials | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Muskoka Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The frame was great shifter worked good | | Weaknesses: | i didn't really like the colors the shirter caps were easy to break the front derailer cable broke every 2 months the shocks suck ass i bent the back rim on the second ride | | Similar Products Used: | norco wolverine norco screamer trek 4500 trek 4100 | | Bike Setup: | maxis 550 rims acrea back drerailer shimano sis derailer rst shox trek seat | | Bottom Line: | over all the bike was pretty good it was awsome when i baught Rock shox duke xc u turn it alowed me to do 6 foot drops it was a wicked starter bike really good for trials and it's a perfect frame for cat walking awsome climber really light..... but i sold it for a giant AC2 if u want a real bike u got to get on of those :) happy ridin | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
drifter
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale MN
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Stanley Eddie & Lake Maria | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$295.00 | | Purchased At: | Northern Cycle | | Strengths: | Very Comfortable, shocks are light yet well damped. Lighter than my previous Rockhopper Comp, softer shocks, and alot better riding position. 24 speed much better than the 21 I had on the Rockhopper. Kick butt color with the orange and blue. Much better balance than the Rockhopper too. Excellent Bike for the money. $300 cheaper than my old Rockhopper, and that was at least 6-8 years old. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper Comp FS, and Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Shop stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bike for the money. Why anyone would buy a department store bike is beyond me with this quality of bike for the money. I am far from an extreme biker, but I like to jump every now and then. Trek has won me over. Does that make me a Trekkie? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moto Raider
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC & RDU, NC
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | various.. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | excellent bike for my girlfriend, who is just starting out. Frame can definitely be upgraded on, as she progress. | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, but fine for now. | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, and '02 KHS FXT Comp | | Bike Setup: | stock, with a more comfortable gel seat | | Bottom Line: | great value, and excellent first mtn. bike. Would have been nice to get the disc option, but overall the components on this bike are great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Franklin,NC
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | White Twister,Clayton GA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Smokey Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | rear derailer,chain,and brake pads | | Bike Setup: | deaore rear ,kool stop pads,salsa grips,wellgro pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a beginner. Can not stand much torcher | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Downhiller
from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes and Pedals | | Strengths: | Great fork lots of travel, strong frame, good rims not made for jumps of 4ft though | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Store | | Bottom Line: | I paid 550 plus tax canadian , i could have gotten it with dics front and back for 700 plus tax, this is a great bike i would recoment it to anyone looking for a bike under 600 dollars, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Rivera
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | prefer really long quiet stretches | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | This is a solid multi-purpose bike. I wanted a bike that could be used for both rough trail riding and charity rides. | | Weaknesses: | On occasion the gears don't shift too smoothly and the breaks could use an upgrade, but the big one is: FRAME DOES NOT EASILY FIT ON STANDARD BIKE RACK! I mean, it will if you spend an extra five minutes messing with it, but it can be hard if you are loading other bikes as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | At time of purchase I added clipless petals, endbars, and Continental Travelcontact tires(slick w/side grip), have also added Mountain Rack bike rack | | Bottom Line: | I ride mostly paved, some dirt, and do primarily distance riding. I am working up to touring, but for now, this is a comfortable, forgiving and sleek bike that really does the trick for endurance training and is also loads of fun. I would recommend the upgrades I have started with if you are planning on any serious pavement riding.
Yes, I'm sure I will want a new bike next year, but I know with any needed further upgrades that this one will hold out for a lot longer than that. If you don't have much money, but want a decent versatile bike, then this is the bike for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Assiniboine River Bike Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia on Henderson | | Strengths: | Frame: light and strong
Components Package: Not high-end and yet still decent enough to hold off on any upgrades until next year
Value: so much for so little | | Weaknesses: | Shocks: a semi-adjustable pogo stick (you can hear the engineers laughing when you attempt to adjust for firmness)
Seat: no tilt adjustment
Pedals: not very grippy (my shins have been intimate with the pedals on more than a couple of occasions)
| | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock kit | | Bottom Line: | I am not a big believer in spending large amounts of money on a bike. I ride on dirt trails with the occasional rough patch and a few, very small (<2'), drops. This bike is a dream to ride, it looks sharp, and an excellent value if you are looking for a trail bike that can take some hard use.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AwfulQuiet
a Weekend Warrior
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Colin Cycles, Vevey Switzerland | | Strengths: | Great frame, strong front shock (good thing it's adjustable!) A dream to ride, brakes light the devil. All around an excellent bike. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals (plastic junk, will replace). Handlebar grips (are not very comfortable). Teeth on the crank will grab pants very easily (has Trek actually tried to ride this thing with jeans on?) | | Similar Products Used: | Nakamura Cliff Hammer, Gary Fisher Advance (discs) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, no discs. | | Bottom Line: | The Trek 4300 is a great bike for the money for beginners or for someone looking for a MTB that is actually comfortable. I way 100 kg (220 lbs), this bikes is still stable and flawless with my weight.
All in all, it's absolutely flawless so far except for the pedals and grips. Derailleur works like a dream and the brakes stop on a dime (but not as well as my old Nakamura).
I can deal with the crappy pedals and grips, but the crank with exposed teeth is a REAL pain (and dangerous). I guess a 30 CHF crank protector is the only option, but dont let that detter you from buying this bike, even at 30 CHF more, it's well worth it! Best deal I could find in Switzerland in this range of bikes (729 CHF). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quiquin
a Cross Country Rider
from Mayaguez
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 400 | | Strengths: | Nice Aluminum Frame. Suspension is a NSYNC and it works smoth.
The color is awesome (metallic orange). The shimano transmision gears are great and smooth. | | Weaknesses: | I Have not found any weaknesses. The only weakness I have is that my bike is not my correct size and I should have gotten is smaller. | | Bike Setup: | My bike is stock with just a few extras. It brings Shimano Acera equipment, NSYNC suspension and I added WELLGO clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | It's a nice mountain bike for the bigginnger or for a person who is tight in a budget. Overall it's a great bike from a great company... TREK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from whitehall, pa
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Good bike overall. great disc breaks..stop instantly, even in rain and snow.. ..lightweight.. | | Weaknesses: | pants leg can get caught on pedals.... reflectors on pedals did not last..they just self destructed..handled ok in snow but could have used wider knobby tires for the snow..seat could be a tad more comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | upgrade from a '96 pacific altitude that has been trashed by UPS on more than one occasion via shipping.. | | Bike Setup: | 4300 stock bike w/disc brake option | | Bottom Line: | I ordered the bike in august '02, finally got it in october '02. i used it throughout the entire winter months. Wasn't gonna spend that much on a bike, but i wnated a decent bike w/disc brakes. The 4300 seemed to be the best value..I'm glad i got it..I'm not complaining. I like the bike, so i'd recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric DeJesus
a Weekend Warrior
from Dothan, alabama, US
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Dothan Cycle and fitness | | Strengths: | Frame is strong- same frame from 4100 ($289ish) to 4900 ($600ish) so its good for me. | | Weaknesses: | Seat itself, crank seems to grab your pants, paint on the black and chrome model (like mine) could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | I tested the GT Avalanche 2.0 before buying- | | Bike Setup: | stock for now...how long it will stay like that is the real question | | Bottom Line: | The bike is strong, and so it that seat...too strong for myself so I am on the hunt for another more comfy riding saddle. I am thrilled with the bike otherwise, does what I want and I know it is capable of more...
Great bike for entry level types looking for something great to work with (and can still be built up if thats what you want).
That front crank however does have a nasty habit of grabbing pant legs...so watch yourself! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael rudy
a Weekend Warrior
from naples
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | around my house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$471.00 | | Purchased At: | naples bike shop | | Strengths: | handles like no other. quick and presice gears, rides smooth. with the disc option you stop on a dime. even whin your bike is wet. that's a big change from standerd brakes. the insync grind fork allow you to adjust the stiffness of the fork. and to to this bike of it only weighs 30 pounds!!! well all i got to say about this bike is that it's kick ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | no weakness yet. just got the thing | | Similar Products Used: | i tried the speclized hardrock. it was cool but it was no TREK. | | Bike Setup: | i keep my suspension set up at a soft seting for a smoth ride down a hill or over a huge rock. but i keep the disc's super tight. | | Bottom Line: | if your in the market for a nice not too expansive hardtai. i would say go to a trek delarship and test out the line of sweet hardtail's. i fell in love with my 4300 and you will too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Mattal
a Downhiller
from Tallinn
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | urban riding | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Rademar | | Strengths: | - Frame | | Weaknesses: | - wheels (rims)
- crankset
- handlebar
- fork | | Similar Products Used: | Marin | | Bike Setup: | Listen, if your intensions are to start freeriding or droppin'off, you MUST do an upgrade... I've done some investments to my bike:
- Specialized SpecialRise Handlebar
- 2*26x2.4 Ritchey Motovader Tires
- selfmade chainfixer (or whatever you name it =)
- shimano alivio crankset
- Ritchey TGV grips | | Bottom Line: | So... Seems very weak for the first look... But believe it or not, i've done 6ft drops in forest and 4ft on pavement with shop setup!!! It's just awesome - bike holds on everything!!! I've started a year ago and after 3 four-footers on pavement I was feeling need of upgrading my bike... Firstly, I've changed my handlebar (default one sucks - too heavy and it broke =) then I bought 2 Ritchey Motovader tires - a bit heavy but hold bike in very extreme circumstances... Then I made myself a chainfixer and bought a crankset... Bike is better than ever for now! If you just plan to start riding and riding aggressively, buy it!!! (p.s. shoose 17' frame, i've made a big mistake bying 21.5' =))) BEST FREERIDE BEGINNER BIKE EVER!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lorenzo Gonzales
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake bodecker | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Lee's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very stable, front suspension is excellent for jumps, smooth landings, in other words, HEAVEN | | Weaknesses: | Pants can get caught up in the front gears. full suspension would be nice but it is perfect as is. | | Similar Products Used: | riden a few Specialized, Garyfisher, AMX, Mongoose, Freespirit | | Bike Setup: | rock shox, shimano components | | Bottom Line: | Good bike to start out w/ and good for more experienced riders (such as myself). I've used it for jumps, small ramps to 5 ft. ledges and also small cliffs. Landing is good, not rough at all and although it is front suspension you wouldn't believe the conrtolled landing you can get and the ease of jumping of rocks. Overall I'd say this is a bike to keep. The whole Trek line up is extremely good. Other suggestions are Garyfisher and Specialized. I still prefer the quality of Trek bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Del Duca
a Weekend Warrior
from somewhere usa
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky`s best | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Peleton cycles | | Strengths: | Nice fork. Good Shamono componets. Like the blue and orange color. | | Weaknesses: | No gear protectors - pants get stuck in chain. | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy upgraded free spirit | | Bike Setup: | Rockshocks and Shamono components | | Bottom Line: | Very nice bike - good for beginners. The suspension doesn't bottom out for a 160 lbs guy like me. A lot better than Huffys or Wal-mart bikes. Been thrown over handle bars a couple times due to great brakes. Buy this bike it's a lot better than the Specialised I tried!!!!!! I have jumped off a few 5 ft ledges no damage done. My buddy says it's the best bike he's seen and he has tried many other hardtails. Bottom line best hardtail you can buy period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Chino, CA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$324.00 | | Purchased At: | Helens Cycles | | Strengths: | Sturdy frame, decent rims, nice paint job, decent components. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes could be better, seat was too hard (personal preference). | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse hustler, Trek 4100 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for beginners or those who want an inexpensive light trail bike. I am 6'4" 223 lbs and have had no problems riding fire roads and single track. I have had no problems with shifting or bottoming out on the front forks either! (I was concerned about that). If you are new and want a great value on a darn good bike, look at the Trek 4300. I give it 5's all the way around cause of reliability and fun factor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Kauai, HI
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anahola | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle John | | Strengths: | Nice frame, decent rims, good bike for the money | | Weaknesses: | Junk brakes-downright dicey, sub-par parts - but you get what you pay for, right? | | Similar Products Used: | '98 Diamondback hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | The frame is a little short and I have a long torso, so I had to get a 21.5" to get the length I needed. This makes the bike too top-heavy for any serious single track stuff.
Being new to montain biking, I didn't realize how fast I'd outgrow this bike, otherwise I'd have spent another 500 bucks for a better ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Omar Reyes
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Riverside Drive | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Habitat | | Strengths: | Light and comfortable | | Weaknesses: | sub-par parts | | Similar Products Used: | um...old Murray I had since I was 16 | | Bike Setup: | Insync shox, shimano Alivio rear derailleur and other garbage bin components. Bontrager tires and headset (stem might be also). | | Bottom Line: | I didn't have enough money to buy the bike I wanted so I did the next best thing, buy a mid range bike that I can upgrade in the future. The base setup was alright, but kinda clunky. noisy after the first 3 weeks. I got it adjusted at my lbs, but it still wasn't right. After adding the XT Drivetrain, it all went away. I bought the Avid mecanical disc brakes but to my dismay, the bike's frame doesn't have an IS rear mount. I'm waiting on my woodman disc adapter to come in. I'm not too thrilled about the handlebars either..I like flat bars (personal preference). Decent starter bike for those who don't have much cash or plan on upgrading. One would think the difference between the 4300 Disc and 4300 regular would be just the disc brakes themselves, not the whole frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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