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Submitted by
I Am Canadian Eh!
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | - Excellent value for the money I paid.
- Much better than cheaper department store bikes.
- Easily able to upgrade to better components. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Sport Crank - Can't find any info about this crank anywhere. OEM model perhaps? | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Currently - Stock
Upgrades to be added in two weeks. | | Bottom Line: | I am adding the following upgrades to this bike:
- New Shimano XT 8 speed shifters - don't want 9 speed yet.
- Deore brake levers with Avid SD7 V-brakes both front and
rear.
- Shimano XT rear derailleur and LX front derailleur.
Upgrades planned for 2008 include - Deore, LX, or XT crankset. Might do it this summer if I have the extra cash.
Bottom Line - I bought this bike because I couldn't afford the Trek 4900 or better models at the time. I do not regret it one bit. Now that I have a bit of extra cash, I am starting to replace components for better ones. I think the bike is great. Highly recommend to anyone!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgetown Ky, USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Capital View | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Strengths: | Held up to 4 years of riding pretty well, nothing has broken. 15.5" frame fits me perfect (5'7") | | Weaknesses: | May be a little heavy. Judy II fork seems a little stiff, but I did buy this bike in '03. | | Similar Products Used: | Just rode friend's bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Still stock except the tires and crank bushing. I damaged the bushing a few years back after a big drop, no fault of the bike. | | Bottom Line: | This has been an excelent first bike. It's time for me to upgrade and since I can't really afford a full supsension, I may just upgrade all of the parts on this bike....I'm that content with it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alfredo Cheesiwinks
a Racer
from asheville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bent Creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Liberty Bikes | | Strengths: | Quite strong. I've put this bike through everything and its kept going. I've done 6' drops with this and it was fine. A great duel slolom/xc bike. Pedals well. Its light enough to get you up hills no problem and strong enough to get you back down, jumps included. | | Weaknesses: | The rims it comes with aren't the best and the stem is a piece of crap. | | Similar Products Used: | Stuff I used before this bike isn't even worth talking about. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano altus derailers. wtb duel duty rims. ritchey stem. shimano v-brakes. chili pepper grips. truvativ crank. | | Bottom Line: | I've pretty much killed this bike but its still running strong. only brought it to the shop twice in four yrs. Strong, low maintenence, and cool colours make it a pretty sweet xc ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Evans, GA U.S.
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Augusta Canal | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | The Frame! That's the real good thing! You can't find a better deal for that frame. Especialy if you go used like I did. Hey and the only good componet on the bike the handle bars, and the rims are actually ok for me. | | Weaknesses: | What can I say! Every componet on the bike is crapey. Just to name a few the shocks, the gears (all of them), the seat post, the brakes, and etc. | | Similar Products Used: | Gt 2.0
Haro
scott | | Bike Setup: | cat eye comp., new seat, dual headlights, irc tires, Hayes disc brakes, and decore gears | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the money, just re-do the gears and all. The frame is what you are paying for. Go used you can't go wrong! Get better tires than ircs get some michaleans if you can spring for it. RIDE ON! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cory
a Cross Country Rider
from maine
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | river trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Solid bike for geting into freeride/all moutian comes with good seat, good deal | | Weaknesses: | comes with ok stuff | | Similar Products Used: | gaint stp1 | | Bike Setup: | lx rear surfas burner tires, 17 inch frame, every thing stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this big i can do 5 foot drops and fell like the bike will role with me. Good for learning on but needs mods to take you to the next level. good for technical sigle track. ok on the north shore because it is easy to find the balence point. wake up and ride dont need to spent much time working on it. because i have the smalled frame it is a little easer to do the 180s and stuff but hard or epic rides. ok in urbin, and in dirt jumps it could use a little help and takes geting the fell of the bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, WA USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ft steilacoom park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$406.00 | | Purchased At: | raineer cyclery | | Strengths: | fairly light, good quality, good components used, great waranty and coverage, great brakes | | Weaknesses: | i cant see anything yet except for my hadlebar grips are getting allitle worn and they havent been used roughly or that much | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | standard factory with many accesories | | Bottom Line: | this has been a great bike. i loved my specialized but i out grew it and liekd that the trek came in the 22.5" frame. the tread is wearing down because the brakes are so good i can help but skid sometimes. you will not be dissapointed if you buy this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mountain Biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The bumpy, dirt roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Moto Pazos(trek dealer) | | Strengths: | Light frame, sturdy parts. The handlebar grips and tires are good. Sweet first gear! | | Weaknesses: | i had problems with the suspension, and it is not very adjustable. Could use toeclips. The seat is relatively hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y24 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Normally this bike costs less. Because i bought it in Costa Rica it was more expensive. For the price it is a great bike. It can handle all kinds of terrain, though to me it seemed a bit sluggish on pavement. However, the 27 gears are a little excesive, although the first gear is really good. If you want a sturdy, simple mountain bike, then this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from W. Rutland, VT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ride Killington, Rocky Pond | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | First Stop Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light Frame, very rigid, stands up to the 4-5ft drops I've put it through. | | Weaknesses: | Needs a longer travel fork, derailleurs could be smoother shifting, need to upgrade those. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400, Cannondale F800, Trek 4900, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike, one of the best Hardtails I've ridden for the money. Trek did a good job with this one, even though it cpould use some upgrades for it to be truly awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bobby
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | ???? present | | Strengths: | this bike is fantastic strong frame great on trails and a fantastic ride on roads it has gr8 gearing i dont know why every1 says their rubbish. | | Weaknesses: | tyres wear down a bit fast only problem ive found | | Bike Setup: | i have kept the same setup as it came from the shop | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike looks beautiful great gearing and long lasting. It is good value for money and will suit all riders from beginers to pros | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Merkley
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello,Idaho
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | west fork | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Barrie's Ski & Sport | | Strengths: | This is an excellent bike. The frame is basically what you pay for on this bike. It is a sweet ride for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Componentry! The Deore rear derailleur is fine, but you will want to upgrade the front derailleur, the shifters, the wheels, Definitely the fork. The fork seems nice at first, but you will quickly learn that it has virtually no rebound. Upgrade what you need to. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F600, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | 04 Trek 4500 frame. Deore RD, LX FrontD, Kenda Kinetics, Manitou Black Platinum, Mavic 223, E-Mail for more info
mikey42186@yahoo.com | | Bottom Line: | A very solid bike from Trek. I haveupgraded alot of the componentry and consistently win races in the expert category. This bike weighs about 27 pounds stock, but that is reduced after you upgrade. For example, My Black Platinum is lighter than the Judy TT. my bike weighs like 20 pounds now, and I surprise people at the local bike trails. They see me pull up with my bike and immediately the snickering and jokes start. I get my laughs out of the fact that none of them are able to stay with me once we get going. So, if your like me, and building bike is a passion of yours, then this is a good way to go. I have spent over $1000 on my bike, and I love more each time I ride it. If you have questions, Email at mikey42186@yahoo.com. I'd love to hear from ya. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anand
a Weekend Warrior
from Peoria, IL
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Farmdale, East Peoria | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Pretty rigid frame, low price, front shocks | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, front/rear derailleurs, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for beginners. I haven't had any serious problems yet, but the components are pretty average - you get what you pay for the money. I will have to replace the derailleurs and crankset after this season, if not sooner. I have had seroius shifting problems, as other reviewers have experienced. However, spending another ~ $300 on upgrading the pedals, crankset and derailleurs (get Shimano Deore components)is well worth it - for ~ $600, you will have a pretty decent mountain bike that ought to last you 5-6 seasons. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dido dido
a Cross Country Rider
from phoneix
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | millif | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | bike barn | | Strengths: | speed and weight and bLance blance | | Weaknesses: | none not to be expected maybe the chain derailleur
likes to jump gears sometimes but not a not hard
to correct . | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for the type that likes urban riding
and is pulled onto trails were this bike will pull no puches if forced onto the single track.I give it a top rating because it is so strongly mixed.and I like the cross country stuff more like cross urban
5 flamin chils good stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marty g
a Weekend Warrior
from rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | used off ebay, but local | | Strengths: | this bike has a great frame, frame doesnt twist, i love the style of shifters it has, and even thoim only 15 this bike is great!! the stock tires are very good, strong rubber, and i still have them. rockshox judy TT are very nice, and they treat me well. | | Weaknesses: | has sh*** parts!!!! i regularly do 6"-24" drops, and the frame can handle it, but the rear wheel cant. i snaped 7 spokes, and bent 3, not a pretty sight. i replaced both tubes, the seat was too skinny(im not a small guy) so i replaced it, i had the bottom bracket, whole crank assembely, and pedals replaced. the front and rear durraillers are failing, and the new chain i had put on is crap, but enough said, the components on this bike suck! | | Bike Setup: | stock frame, new but factory same crank and bottom bracket | | Bottom Line: | this bike is an excelent bike for the price, but if your serious about biking, u might want to upgrade the components, but the frame can handle just about anything u throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Burltington,VT
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Battenkill Bikes | | Strengths: | looks nice | | Weaknesses: | This bike is a piece of junk. It's given me nothing but trouble since the first day I bought it. The entire shifting system from the chainwheels to the shifting levers constantly needs adjustment and seldom works. The crankset is weak and bent without me even jumping anything. I definately got ripped off. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Mountain Trak | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy this. It's a waste of money. I don't even use it that hard and it fell apart/needed adjustment EVERY DAY.
This bike is a piece of junk. It's given me nothing but trouble since the first day I bought it. The entire shifting system from the chainwheels to the shifting levers constantly needs adjustment and seldom works. The crankset is weak and bent without me even jumping anything. I definately got ripped off. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aussie joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$690.00 | | Purchased At: | Renegade Cycles | | Strengths: | Reliable! | | Weaknesses: | Firstly, obviouse I paid too much :(
2nd, it's a bit over weighted | | Bike Setup: | Standard plus F&R SR-Suntour DB-XCR-HD hydraic disk brake. | | Bottom Line: | All moving parts are very reliable even after eight months it felt into the river after I atempted to ride across it :P
(I just re-wax the chain)
Now done 1200+km with all the gears shifts accurately. (Ofcourse nomal adjustments are needed but seem Alivo has not worn a bit.)
The weight of it may seems heavy compare to other bikes, but it definately ride smoother/easier than other cheaper, lighter bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Anderson
a Cross Country Rider
from millersville,MD,USA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | this one on landing road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | bike doctor | | Strengths: | good weight and the best damn brakes ever (but it is the 1st real bike i have ever got all the others have been from TOYS "R" US) and the the best shfter to | | Weaknesses: | the wheel can tend to get pushed out of true a bit and the tires have good traction but they do tend to wear a little bit so i rotate them every 200 miles the seat can be a little hard at times but i just stop and take a 5-10 min rest and walk around then get back on and go | | Similar Products Used: | none other like it | | Bike Setup: | what it says on the www.trek.com in 2002 | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom Line is that it is a good bike for road trails (the b&a trail and the BWI tril mostly)and i have not really been on alot of mountain trails i did take it once and it did fine the bike lover the hills the traction was awsome and it loves the water my grandparents street got flooded durning isable and i took it threw like 2 to 3 feet of water is was awsome in that to it and i loved it and also it is good for long huals and just and everyday rideing that does not stay on the road all the time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erin Reed
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | JAX Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Very light, stable, good tire grip, can take a beating, better than other hardtails the same price | | Weaknesses: | Cant take a huge beating, after a while it starts to creak, weak rims | | Similar Products Used: | 01 Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with shimano deore kranks and gears | | Bottom Line: | It's an excellent trail bike but you'll wreck it if u try drops with it. I bent my kranks and the frame jumping stairs.Its a good bike for begginers but if ure starting to daring and abusive, spend money on another bike before it's too late. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris M
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cathedrial pines | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Carl Hart | | Strengths: | Solid bike, attractive look, can take a beating, somwhat good components, responsive. | | Weaknesses: | needs 24/7keep up, if you do not tighten a scew it will break, this bike loves the shop, seat could be better | | Similar Products Used: | -------- | | Bike Setup: | basic stock, upgraded breaks to hayes disk front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | this is a great long distance bike, it's nice to sleek look, it is solid and i would reccomend it to anyone looking for a bike that you want to last everyday riding and regular abuse it wasent that badley priced but make sure you have a shop nearby! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Phelps
a Cross Country Rider
from Lodi, CA, United States
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything XC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bikes | | Strengths: | Great bike, the frame is great quality, strong and rigid, components work well, fork does its job, says "Trek" on it, lifetime warranty. Made in the USA. | | Weaknesses: | 25 degree stem with sticker "This stem is not mean't for downhill, freeriding, or any other agressive offroad riding." (Easy and cheap fix) Seat could be more comfortable but is still good. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing came close | | Bike Setup: | New stem, new seat stock except for that. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, no problems with it, great value for the price, I looked at specialized hardrock comp and this was a better bike for me. I am glad I made this descision. This bike is made in the USA which is a big plus for me. Everything works GREAT. The frame is stiff and strong, and transfers all your power to the road. GET THIS BIKE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter None
a Weekend Warrior
from N.Y.
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all that include a generous amount of mud | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Metro bicycles on 96&Broadway | | Strengths: | pretty cheap.good Bontrager tires,Juddy TT fork is good for both beginer and intermediate riders.frame is ok.Handlebar is really good,shifters are too.has pretty good grip in overall.strong wheels. | | Weaknesses: | where should i begin?aaaah,yes!The cranks and chainrings are CRAP.soft materials,hard maintenence,unable to find replacement parts.no good at all.had problems with loosening left crank arm from the beggining/including creaking noise from the BB,but some teflon plummer's tape took care of that damn noise/,chain falls out of the outer ring often,making it unsafe to ride with higher speeds.the bike is a bit on the heavy side,due AGAIN to crapy crankset.Front hub is absolutelly fake,the rubber sealings on the side don't do jack!Frame is king of soft on the rear side,making the rear brake less functional,but a brake booster takes care of that.i'm having little doughts about the cassette quality,but i'm waiting a little more to make my conculsion.pretty much that's it... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000,Scott Octane and Scott xc/european versions/ | | Bike Setup: | factory,exept front brake/avid ball bearing db-185mm/,front hub-Shim.XT m756,spokes-wheelsmith,black.i kept the old Matrix 750 rim.By the way,who the hell manufactures these goddamn rims?can't find specs nowhere. | | Bottom Line: | with a some upgrades/as with most middlepriced bikes/you can make a very good xc-trail bike.i suggest you start with the feaggin' crankset.then hubs/wheels.everything eles you can ride until it wears out.even though i said alot in the "weakness" section,i'm very satisfied with this bike,and i think it was a good purchase.so if you have the chance or if you are thinking of getting one,do so,but be prapared to pich in some additional expences.i would not recomend the bike for the very serious rider/so called pro's/. that's all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kalon Lasater
a
from Winona,MN,USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Livi's Mound(Wisconsin) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Cycle & Ski | | Strengths: | Very solid all around bike. Rear derailer is very durable. Great tires and tubes, only one flat ever! | | Weaknesses: | Crank chainrings bend out of true when going race-pace. Weight-32lbs, slows you down on the climbs. After a season and a half the frame now creaks when climbing, sprinting, and decending bumpy trails.
Also once I landed very hard off a jump on my front tire and lube spayed from the rebound ajustment on the fork. | | Bottom Line: | Great begginer bike! I put on Time Carbon peddals and used it for racing with good success. It's kinda funny when I kill people on 21 pound, $2,000 bikes. The bike doesn't make the rider. I finished 1rst in a sport race (Afton Avalanche) with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robbie
a Cross Country Rider
from Youngstown, OH
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob, Wooster OH | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame is good quality, I like the pedals yet many people greatly dislike them, Fork works out great, It's all good for the price baby | | Weaknesses: | Little disappointed with the shift system, but yet again, good for the price | | Similar Products Used: | First sport comp bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock except fot shimano 536's | | Bottom Line: | This bike has really helped get me goin in the MTB world. It will open doors for you and enable you to experience the thrill that can be obtained on the open trail. I recommend it greatly for anyone who is sckeptical about gettin into mountain riding because of the cost. Buy this bike, it will change your mind, and your way of life.
Just for kicks, I test rode the GF 29's, and It will be my next purchase, no doubt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | R&D | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Shimano Components | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Tek 4900, and Trek STP 200 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
I own the following Trek products:
STP 200
4900
4500
4300
Both of my son's love to ride, so Trek was my choice. The 4500 offers a great value for the money, but you should replace the following components when purchasing the 4500:
RD: From Alivio to LX
RD: From Alivio to XT
This is a big change from the stock set-up. LX and XT are found on the current Trek 8000, and make a world of difference. We have gone to the LX/XT combination on both the 4300 and 4900. As a result, riding is much more enjoyable, and these components require less long-term adjustments. In a nutshell, the Trek 4500 is a winner on all accounts, but it does need an upgrade "out of the box" to reach its true potential.
Sincerely
Russ
PS: The seatpost and seat are also of poor quality and should be changed to a Bontrager Select and FS 2000 combination as the next step. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Mercado
a Weekend Warrior
from Niceville, Florida
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Haven't been on but one yet | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Well, much better than the Huffy I beat to death! (that poor bike) It goes where I want it to. Nice and light, shifters work well after I got used to them. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet but then again i haven't run it through the paces hard enough yet | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy something | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the money although, when I was shopping around the Jamis Durango or Durango sport (can't remember which) was a better deal for about $40 less. I stayed with the Trek since I already own a 720 for touring and the bike shop is managed by good people with a history of excellent customer service for me. I would recommend this bike to anyone, especially entry level riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Armando
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | I beat it up and it still runs well. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing that I have found, sofar. | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy that I purchased this bike. For a person that is beginning, on a budget, and lives in Florida, you do not need much more. Trek bikes are well made and this bike is no exception. It was a great buy at $450 with a couple of upgrades. I will keep upgrading the components as I improve my riding and ride more often than just in the weekends, but like I stated before, for a first trail bike, you can't ask for more than what you get in the Trek 4500 Alpha. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Putnam Blake
a Downhiller
from Marblehead mass usa
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | sports outlet | | Strengths: | cheap | | Weaknesses: | the frame is kind of weak. when i upgraded to xtr v-brake it became apparent that i needed a booster since i could pull the lever all the way to the bars | | Similar Products Used: | none, although i have ridden my friends norco fluid and i've got a norco a-line on order | | Bike Setup: | 2002 psylo xc, thompson elite stem 110x5, bontraiger crowbar comp 2" rise. hayes 8" hydraulic disc on the front xtr v-brake in the rear, rhyno lite on xt disc front, xt with D521 rear, rocky mountain DH pedals, kenda kallosal 2.6/tioga factory dh 2.3, salsa grips | | Bottom Line: | this frame has worked for me. i beat the crap out of it, every component on it right now voids the warranty, i've dropped 6' to flat with it nosedove really hard, gone downhilling with it. it won't break. i think this strength comes from the fact that the aluminum is really soft and flexes instead of breaking. everyone tells me that it's going to hurt when i snap the head tube, i'm still waiting for that day to happen. since it's a light frame, it doesn't way 2 tons yet becasue of all the add ons, it only ways 1 ton (36 pounds really) when it comes to price, it's a good starting point for upgrades which can then be put on another frame. while it is a good value, it's stock components suck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Bryant
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station Tx
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | valley cyclery | | Strengths: | great frame and good shimano parts! i love the way it shifts (so much better than my old gripshifters) | | Similar Products Used: | tested trek 4100, raleigh m50 and kona hahanna | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for anyone who is looking to get into mountain biking, or for someone who wants a great frame that they can modify to fit their own tastes. I wanted a bike that fit me as a good bike that i could count on in years to come and that would be able to grow with me as i progress in the sport, the 4500 is more than capable of all of this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Copley
a Weekend Warrior
from Middlesbrough
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Great Broughton | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | J E James | | Strengths: | Fairly light, good fork (adjustable, reasonable travel), Good and reliable Alivio set up with Bontrager finishing kit | | Weaknesses: | V brakes are a bit weak | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Computer, Lights, saddle bag,-you know | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, Fantastic bike for price. Fast and Furious but not wieghty.
Highly recomended for weekend riding and every day getting about bike, looks good, rides even better.
Nice colour too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kasro Stefan
a Weekend Warrior
from Troy, MI
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Prestige Bike shop, Clinton | | Strengths: | Excellent bike for $400!. I have riden this bike for almost a year, twice a week in moderate to difficult trails without any major repair or maintenance. No damage to the frame, wheels, and components despite abusing ride and hard falls! Comfortable seat, Durable wheels, Nice and pretty colors. | | Weaknesses: | Chain rings bends easily specially when the chain gets stuck between the rings as you pedal. A little at the heavy side . Wish it was 3-4 pounds lighter. The fat tires have too much rolling resistance on pavement. Rear derailer and brakes needed frequent adjustment. Replaced freewheel. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock, added clipless pedals, computer, lights | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommnded Trek4500 as a starter bike. With regular maintenace and care, you may never outgrow this bike; however, this is not the bike for serious riders or for people who don't mind spending over $1000. The money I saved by this purchase, I used it to travel and take the bike with me to other states for ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Kennesaw, GA USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee Woods & Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Free Flight | | Strengths: | Fairly Light, stiff yet forgiving, great frame to build on, Great Geometry for taller riders, all around good value. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Alivo components, worthless crankset and bottom bracket (replace immediately if you have the recalled crankset) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800, 820, Giant XTC, Mongoose, Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Syncros post, Selle Max Flight seat, system one toe clip pedals, Bontrager Race Lite Crankset, XT front & rear derailers & shifters | | Bottom Line: | If you want to get into or get back into Mountain Biking without dropping a buttload of money right off the bat, this is a great frame to work with and eventually build into pimped out hardtail. The components work ok for the first few weeks to 1 month, just upgrade as you break them.
Bottom line this a great XC bike to ride and customize to your riding style. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
everardo balandran jr.
a Cross Country Rider
from el paso, tx, usa
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | redd road dead end | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle company | | Strengths: | a very strong frame. light for being a 400+ bike. good starter bike that can be adapted for a rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | the fork, which did not withstand the trail that i do. also, the front derrailer hitting my chain; i have tried to fine tune, but no "luck." | | Similar Products Used: | don't know | | Bike Setup: | selle italia flite gel saddle, shimano clipless pedals, thorn resistant tubes, '02 rock shox duke xc fork...will upgrade into 9 speed gears and disk brakes in about a week or less. | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike. i have upgraded it and have seen not much difference yet. i do want to get much more experience on the trail. i don't consider myself a weekend warrior, but nothing close to a pro...lol. but i think that pretty soon i will outgrow this bicycle. if you have the resources to get into the next level, go for it. but if you want to be a weekend warrior, this is the bike for you, simply change the fork, that is it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | big/little elbow | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | ridleys | | Strengths: | 4000km review based on half a year of commuting & road riding.
nothing broken - just maintenence items - replaced chain, couple of spokes, tires, cassette.
bike is reasonably light & durable for the price. shocks work well unless you are doing serious trail riding.
| | Weaknesses: | cranks. work fine as long as you don't want to shift! i thought the poor shifting was the derailleur and/or dirty chain. wrong. it's the cheap crank set. the bontrager ??? cranks are pressed pieces of tin riveted together. they look okay, but a)don't have pins & ramps to aid in shifting and b) you can't replace the rings when they wear out. you have to pitch the whole thing. i bought a truvativ generic crank set from cambria really cheap (it came private labelled as a "specialized strongarm-2"). the difference in shifting is phenomenal.
seat is oddly shaped - uncomfortable for long distance riding. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 7000. | | Bike Setup: | flat bar, bar ends, minus 5-degree stem, truvativ crankset, tioga city slicker 1.50"wide tires, new generic seat, rack & pannier. okay it's not a mountain bike anymore, but is a whole lot faster now. | | Bottom Line: | very good value for the money.
riding position is way too upright - probably good for downhill, but makes climbing exhausting & difficult.
solid & durable bike with decent componants (for the money)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel and Sprocket | | Strengths: | Strong frame,beautiful paint job,(not chipping yet.)Love the Bontrager crowbar. Decent parts for the money.
| | Weaknesses: | The pedals. Just terrible. No grip at all if your shoes get wet. Frame could be a little lighter. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800. Piece of crap. Department store bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a lizard skin on chainstay. | | Bottom Line: | My first real mountain bike. Switching over from road riding. So far very satisfied except for those damn pedals. No flats as a of yet from the now infamous AC Jones tires.Planning on upgrading both front and rear derailleurs to deore or LX.I may also may upgrade the cranks as well as the bottom bracket.If you're just starting out in mountain biking I strongly suggest that you consider this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Collins, Colorado
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Maxwell | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Lee's | | Strengths: | Bontrager parts, tires | | Weaknesses: | CRANKS they creak no matter how hard you tighten them. At least they are name brand. The front derailleur doesnt shift very easily and gets stuck between shifts. Makes clacking noise if you are in 2nd gear up front. Judy TT is hard as a rock. Looking to upgrade to Psylo. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A very good value. Shifters and derailleurs and cranks need to be upgraded immediately. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wael
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great price
Great ride...I am a beginner in mountain biking but it steered great, good brakes and is light weight.
| | Weaknesses: | The front derailer...shifting up from 2nd to 3rd does not always come easy. Othen than that none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock with speed computer. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike...for an entry level to mountain biking, this can definetly compete as one of the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barbara Howard
a Weekend Warrior
from Brimingham, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Pretty Colors, Light Frame, Great Price. Great for beginning mountain biker with a limited budget. Much lighter and better components than any department store bike. This little bike a real tough competitor, it will stand up any abuse a beginner can dish out. It handles very well. Stops great a lot of control. It gives you a comfortable sturdy ride. This bike built up my confidence, but unfortunately I will have graduating to another bike soon. I'm only 5'2" and I bought a 16.5" frame. It is just too big for me and I would like to upgrade to better shifters. | | Weaknesses: | My only real grip is the Alivio Front Derailleur. It refuse to stay in adjustment and when it is in adjustment It still shifts slowly and clunky. I realize that these shifters are not going to perform like the racer's, but I do expect that when I shift from the small chainring to middle chainring that it would go to the middle chainring on a consistant basis and, not stay on the small one or jump the large one. I've taken it to the shop several times for adjustment and I still have this re-ocurring probelm. I'm not sure if it is operater, or the component setup. All I do know is when I am wizzing downhill dodging trees, roots and rocks on a trail, I don't want to be fighting the shifter to get it on the proper gear. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Specialized, Diamond Back | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except Wellgo Toe Clip Petals | | Bottom Line: | Great Budget Mountain Bike. I love this little bike it has introduced me to mountain biking, but unfortunately I will be upgrading to a Giant XTC SE2, 14" frame. It's smaller, lighter, better components almost triple the price.
I probably would have been compeletly happy with is bike if I was using it for casual trail riding, but I engaged to a mountain goat that likes to push my limits. Buy this bike if you are on budget,and you are casual rider you won't be disappointed. But if you think you are going to be serious about riding and have more cash buy something with Deore derailleur shifters or better. It will keep from putting couple hundred dollars on a $400 dollar bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh PA USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Seven Springs, PA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | Good to wet your appetite to serious off roading. Great seat for me (150 lbs). Great colors. OK drivetrain for the money. Proline brakes ok. Great for the casual rider for rail trails. Jones AC tires best suited to the cinder track and roll well. Very comfortable upright geometry. Handles well on hardpack. | | Weaknesses: | Flexible frame! I never knew how much until I got my 2002 Giant Iguana. I was getting pitched on this bike left and right. Weak crank, persistant creaks (maybe poor assembly). Bent big ring in first month. Judy TT shock sucks - takes a really big hit to activate. Compared to my Duke SL on my new bike, this elastomer shock is a waste. I sold this bike for 300 after 2 months of riding. I outgrew it that quick. Upright geometry places you to high for climbing. Tires bad on anything more than dry hard pack. If you ride any serious singletrack, do any real climbing or decending, this bike sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock GX, Giant Iguana, Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | stock, added clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Good for the weekend warrior, rail trails, or to wet your appetite. If you are serious and have only 500 to spend, buy a used bike or a Giant Iguana or Gary Fisher Marlin. I bought a 1100 racer for 600 and sold the trek. Best move I made. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Two Trees at Box Springs Mtn. Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Riverside Cyclery | | Strengths: | very solid frame, decent shifters and drivetrain, decent fork, nice riser handlebar, metal platform pedals withstand extreme abuse, rims pretty tough | | Weaknesses: | grips slide off slowly, poor tire traction, brakes a little weak, rims a bit heavy | | Bike Setup: | all stock components, cateye enduro2 computer, lizard skin on chainstay | | Bottom Line: | A really, really great ride--in spite of the tires. Great for beginners and up who ride trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TJ Brumme
a Cross Country Rider
from Watsonville, CA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | niceam marks, ca | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Scotts Valley Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | This is an all around great bike. It is not the hottest bike out there, but it has a great value! I also noticed that the saddle was extremly comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | none whatsoever | | Similar Products Used: | specialized | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for great value in a bike, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Athens, GA USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Heritage Park Oconee | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Free-Flite | | Strengths: | I really love this bike. It is perfect for the beginning mountain biker with a limited budget. Much lighter and stronger than any department store bike. The suspension is good and adjustable. One of the few bikes I tested that I felt confident could support my 220 pounds. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals had to be replaced right away. Other than that, I haven't had any problems. After reading the previous reviews before I bought the bike, I had a lizard skin put on before I was able to do any damage to the finish. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Gary Fisher Marlin ands have ridden lots of Huffy's and a custom Schwinn. | | Bike Setup: | Dual Tacx bottle cages, Lizard skin, Wellgo clipless, onza barends, no-name brand saddlebag. | | Bottom Line: | I would totally recommend this bike for anyone considering getting into MTBing. A great value for a struggling college student. I feel that the upgrades I made are needed, but you may have different needs. Just for the record, I only use the clipless pedals when I am on easy trails or riding on the paved Silver Comet with my girlfriend. For single track, I prefer to use a pair of cheap Bell pedals I got at Wal-Mart. If you slip, you lose a lot of shin skin, but I feel more comfortable with them when making tight turns and doing really technical riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tupac Shakur
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Bragg,NC United States of America
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Some crazy ass single track we built here on Fort Bragg | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop Fayetteville,NC | | Strengths: | Nice Balance, good tires, ok fork, decent component set for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Crank set belongs on a broken huffy. My friend twisted the left crank like a candy cane in a low speed crash. Note, his foot did not even come out of the pedal and the thing twisted up with him. His leg was ok pride bruised, skills exhausted. Grips slip off like a trojan magnum. Instead of Bontrager it should be call bonegauger. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock Comp Trek 800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the twisted up crank like object. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for the money. A matter of opinion when it comes to this bike and the specialized. Definatley worth the money. Very forgiving frame and frame geometry. Riding position on this bike is very uprgight | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Cross Country Rider
from Coquitlam
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps Bicycle | | Strengths: | Nice looks, sturdy, SUPER light, decent forks, comfortable seat, decent shifters | | Weaknesses: | Loose chain, after one harsh fall, had to replace the cranks which came loose (crappy crankset), grips wear out fast without gloves, forks could be better | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse Sinister (my friends bike) | | Bike Setup: | What do you think? | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, but I'm not sure if I would buy it again. I like my bike, no question, but the components that came on it, are on the margin line of good enough, or not good enough, making me want to replace quite a few. I could not think of one thing besides my friend's forks to upgrade on his Sinister. I would still rather have my bike though. I recommend changing the cranks, which will start to click and squeek soon enough, and possibly the fork. I just ride XC and freeride and seems to stand up to it quite good. Excellent for a person who is starting some freeriding, but would not recommend it for anyone planning to go big (8 feet or more). Fair price for what you get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Szwejkowski
a Cross Country Rider
from East Meadow , NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Point, Strong Island NY | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands Bike shop | | Strengths: | -strong and light frame, Trek name and guarantee
-prime for upgrading
-good for entry level cross country single track
-excellent design and color (starry night)
-compared to other remarks, alivio brakes held up well after serious abuse
-Judy TT's are durable and really help with smoothing out exposed roots, rocks, etc. (Never failed me )
-after easy affordable upgrades, competes with $1000 hardtails | | Weaknesses: | -crappy bontrager cranks, which had to be replaced 2X
-drive train overall sucks and will not take much abuse
-terrible ac jones tires
-paint "rubs off" very easily, yes all those comments are true before
-matrix 750 wheels are garbage and heavy, looks cheap
-Frequent problems with shifting, especially uphill and when quickly attempted.
-chain falls off pretty easily when going down serious hills
-trek seat absolutely sucks and is very uncomfortable for me, also bent almost in half at the bars under the seat
| | Similar Products Used: | first true mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | mavic x221's front and back,specialized stout hubs,michelin wild gripper tires (really grab the terrain), new bontrager cranks from the trek warranty which are better than the original believe it or not, otherwise stock
| | Bottom Line: | For the price, I must say you can't find a hard tail mountain bike of this caliber. Although, I had to replace the cranks 2x, get the drivetrain readjusted countless times, adjust the brake alignment, and get a new seat this was all taken care of by the warranty for the most part.Perfect for the person just getting into real deal mountain biking or a budget minded consumer wanting a quality bike (like everyone else said) Unless you ride very casually on roads or light trails, you must upgrade the bike, especially cranks and drivetrain, it will NOT hold up for long. This bike honestly flies up and down hills and technical sections with a set of better wheels and tires. It really got me into cross country, and facilitated my riding ability including technical skills. I have came so far with this bike in six months. I do about 10-15 miles at least 3 times a week on advanced skills single track courses with this bike and I basically beat the crap out of it and it is still going strong for the most part.Presently, I am able to keep up with much more experienced riders consistently that have $2000 stumpjumpers, and yes, they are in about the same condition as me. DEFINITELY GOOD BANG FOR THE BUCK!!! RIDE HARD AND ENJOY YOURSELF!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh pa usa
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle works | | Strengths: | coolest looking frame I have ever seen, I got a 2003 model which I think is so much better than the 2002 model because it's made in the usa, and has a red white blue and black colored frame,the tires kick ass,rims are strong and the shocks are promising,bontrager crowbar handlebars are awesome,shimano alivio shifting system is pretty good | | Weaknesses: | I don't know any right now except for a chain rubbing sound when you shift into 3rd gear, but i'm sure the front derailer just needs adjusted | | Similar Products Used: | trek 800 sport(totally upgraded) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for lights, speed computer etc. | | Bottom Line: | I didn't know you could get a bike this good for $400. With shimano and bontrager components you can't go wrong. I looked at Gary Fisher Marlin for $28 more and I thought the 4500 was the better buy since I thoght it had way better components. The only thing that's better about the Gary Fisher Marlin is that it might be lighter. But the 4500 has got all the other goods.The bike is great for beginners to even more serious riders. If you're willing to part with $400 buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Phomsavanh
a Cross Country Rider
from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Area 51 (halifax, nova scotia) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesmith | | Strengths: | lightweight, rock shocks that are decent, Shifters are low end, but they are 100 times better than grip. seat soothes my bottom :) | | Weaknesses: | terrible on road. im not sure, but riding this bike on the road with the bontrager tires are starting to hurt my bum. But then again, who rides on road? I ride on road to get to some trails...so yeah. | | Similar Products Used: | Some raleigh bike bought in '98 | | Bike Setup: | same as it says on the site. | | Bottom Line: | wonderful bike. I am most definatly keeping it.
it shifts really smooth, and is a lightweight bike.
Excellent on the trails. For a beginner/intermediate like myself, its wonderful. I hit the trails all the time.
I highly suggest this bike to beginner/intermediate riders with the cash to spend on a decent bike. The price is about average. I paied 660 canadian (with taxes)
So why are u still sitting here? GO GET ONE!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
miles
a Weekend Warrior
from türingen germany
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rennsteig | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | a bike shop that sells bikes | | Strengths: | good frame ok components light for the price | | Weaknesses: | gears tyers shifters judys ground out | | Similar Products Used: | hard rock comp | | Bike Setup: | new tyers bontrager connection very good, rear derailer deore lx front deore, lx rapid fires/brake levers spd pedals | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike get the upgrades but the first thing is get rid of the tyers there dangerous on mud bontrager connections are cheap but very good in all conditions,
you can see what i have upgraded and now the bike is great my friends have cannondales but most the time i am quicker,
so "buy it" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Kittmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Terra Cotta, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Conservation Area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$770.00 | | Purchased At: | Kamikaze Bikes - Collingwood | | Strengths: | Great frame, Bontrager components, decent brakes, drivetrain better than others in the price range | | Weaknesses: | Creaking cranks, crap shifters, Jones AC tires, mushy seat | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Blast, Schwinn Mesa GS/GSX, Rocky Mountain Fusion, some Gary Fisher bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Lizard skins chainstay protector, Bell cycle computer | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great... with some minor upgrades (planned LX drivetrain and brake upgrade soon) this bike would be way better than the others in this range. Works great for the riding I do, and sucks up the abuse. Overall, this bike rocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Central PA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Great all-around bike for the money...usual great Trek frame, fairly smooth mechanics....a lot of bike for not a lot of $$$. | | Weaknesses: | Rims | | Similar Products Used: | Raliegh M50 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the weekend warrior that doesn't want to spend a pile of cash. The only problem I have had so far was 2 flat tires due to the machine work on the rims. The drilled/bored holes on the inside were not deburred and poked holes in the tubes. They really should look into that problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek MacCallum
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Brakes, Shocks, | | Weaknesses: | Weak Crankshaft (had it for two days and it needs to be tighten up.) The gears are hard to find at times.. meaning the gear won't pop into gear very quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I'm happy with the Trek 4500. Initially, I was going to get the Trek 4300, however I didn't want to upgrade ( was told the shocks would need to be upgraded within 6 months and that the rims only had single wall contstruction ) right away and besides I recieved $50 bucks off the 4500. The bike is very solid and the shocks really make a huge difference when compared to the 4300. The brakes are... well sensitive at first.. I managed to go over the handlebars and skinned up my knee pretty good so be sure you test the brakes BEFOREHAND. If you are a serious rider , buy this bike! If you are someone who wants to get back into shape and could lose a few pounds (me) get this bike. If you are going to ride the bike to the local store down the road then buy the 4300. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trkrdr
a Weekend Warrior
from anaheim
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Strengths: | looks great
nice handle bar angle
alivio derailleurs are ok
more adjustments needed on fork | | Weaknesses: | pedals
cranks!
tires are ok...i get a lil nervous on sand
kinda heavy
shifters | | Bike Setup: | sd7 brake levers
arch rival brakes
alivio shifters
mity3
lizards skins
forte clipless | | Bottom Line: | u will discover the weaknesses of the bike within 2 months....thats when you know what to upgrade...good value for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Titus
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, OH US of A
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | vulture | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$389.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | Frame is strong a sturdy. I do urban riding as well and it can handle clearing entire stairsteps and 3 foot drops on concrete. MAtrix rims are decent. I like the stock hndle bar, but igot an easton on its way. grips are comfy. components are decent as well. alivio... | | Weaknesses: | components are onyl decent and not superb. alivio....wish they were xtr or deore at least. the stock innersubes are janky. popped teh second day igot the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock a1 fs comp; jamis durango (sweet bike) | | Bike Setup: | so far, mostly stock, new pedals, titec xero degree stem, easton handlebars, profile design bar ends. i have yet to upgrade any deraillers and cranks. i will in teh next ew months. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike forthe money. good enttry level bike which can be upgraded to fit an intermediate's needs. smooth ride. i use to term, butter. Shiftign a littel slow, but its ok. nuff said..its a decent bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew noriega
a Weekend Warrior
from gardne valley, california
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | manzeneta trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria bicycle emporium | | Strengths: | oversized aluminum frame, good geometry, snappy around tight switchbacks, good complete bike, light for the price, stiff, and price. | | Weaknesses: | stock tires dont grip to well, yet I have riden worse. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hard rock | | Bike Setup: | mavic 222 rims on real hubs with titanium spokes, shimano xt rear brakes and lx front, cygo bike light, lx rear derailuar and xt front, shimano 545 clipless pedals, kore elite handlebars, vetta rt88 wireless computer, salsa brake booster,trek vuelta saddle, panaracer fire xc pro tires, specialized airforce pump, kalloy uno stem, titanium barends, profile design grips, shimano performance chain. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money, for a few more bucks it is great. I highly recommend this bike. It now performs with the 800-1000 dollar bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TrEK Koerper
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Orange County anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Only forked out 400 and not 1500. Good handlebars and decent components. Fairly light. Awesome paint job, most attractive Trek mountain bike out there I think (red/silver). Perfect weekend warrior ride and (as the dealer told me) is very upgradeable (stock as of now, may need upgrades soon). | | Weaknesses: | Tires lack traction but they're not as bad as other bikes i've ridden. Seat is brutal. Not the best shifting on inclines or through sand.
Another reviewer mentioned a noise coming from the cranks, I'm having the same problem and need any advice on diagnosing the problem anyone may have, its really freaking me out.
Chain slips off the front as well from time to time which is a major pain the a** as you probably know. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon, Specialized Hard Rock II, K2 POS. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except a Bell a** pad | | Bottom Line: | I abuse this bike quite a bit and its held up, I'm new to mountain biking and probably wouldnt know what "abusing" would actually mean to a hardcore mountain biker, however what I do know is thats its held up through thick and thin thus far for me, and I feel i'm not always easy on it at times. I may need upgrades soon: crank, front derailer looks bent, new seat, better tires, new grips etc. I love this bike for the fun it allows me to have on it and for all I've learned on it. It'll keep me biking for a while to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D B
a Weekend Warrior
from Buford, Georgia
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chiccopee / Trebble Mill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $390.00 | | Strengths: | The 4500 is a nice riding bike that you can keep under control while bouncing over roots and clay. Factory equiped with good entry level selection of components. The aluminum frame seems to have a solid feel to it. It's affordable. | | Weaknesses: | During rapid downshifts to climb, I have thrown the chain on more than one occasion. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode a Raliegh, Diamond Back and Marin in the same price range. | | Bike Setup: | Factory settings for now. Getting brave to install eggbeaters. | | Bottom Line: | After a decade of not riding, my biking friends got me re-intrested and I'm getting back into it. The Trek is a good choice for someone who wants a solidly designed bike that'll keep up with the trail crowd. the bike had the right components at the right price. It is also a good starting point for future equipment upgrades. It will allow me to make equipment improvements as my riding improves. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John D
a
from Concord, NH USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | S&W Sports | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price, comfortable ride. | | Weaknesses: | Chain tends to get caught up between front sprockets if you shift while going uphill & don't have much speed, rear shifting could be a little smoother.
Getting a grinding/cracking noise from the left crank on downstroke when I'm going up hills, slowly starting to hear it on the right side as well. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Recently added CatEye Enduro2 computer | | Bottom Line: | I like it. It looks like it'll be a thief magnet though -- everybody I've seen initially thinks it's a very expensive bike.
I haven't had a chance to get it off road yet (recovering from ACL surgery), but it's good getting back into riding.
5 for value, and 4 overall, because of the shifting & crank issues. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a Cross Country Rider
from n. port, fl usa
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | aj barnes | | Strengths: | frame, bar, brakes | | Weaknesses: | derailers, seat | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for beginners, especially for how cheap it is. havent had any problems with it at all yet. great for light trails and city. it has a light frame and is strong enough to jump. im a heavy guy and its held me up well. i would recommend it for anybody who wants a quality bike for little money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amit
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Lakes Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | umm, Light frame, Cool colors, Kick @$$ crow bar, and the value, good for a begginer could use some upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy wheels; cracked on a 2 foot jump, grips were out easy, Cranks and bb. bb outside 2mm of shell, cheepy low end bontrager parts | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Giant Rainier | | Bike Setup: | ODI Hardcore Yeti Grips, Mavic X221 with deore hubs. Everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for newbies, needs some upgrades:cranks, bb, grips, deraliurs, wheels, fork, almost everything except bar and frame. Once you get better make the parts better. If planning to go over 4 feet on this bike forget it unless you want a cracked frame. Has helped me out alot and will help you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Earth Traverse | | Strengths: | - Tough as nails, except for the front derailleur
- Great price for a quality bike
- Good colors (gold, black, red)
- Really good grips | | Weaknesses: | - Front derailleur needs to be adjusted after each wreck
- Jarring on rocky trails | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Deore rear derailleur and ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | I was looking to get back into mtn. biking and needed a entry-level bike. The 4500 works perfectly for the purpose. I'm very happy with it. It's a great inexpensive bike with Trek quality. Also, this bike is tough. Getting back into biking I was a bit rusty and overaggresive. I've broken my arm and given plenty of blood to the mountain, but the bike remains undamaged save a bent chainring. If you're looking for a high-quality, inexpensive bike, the Trek 4500 is a great choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gable andrews
a Downhiller
from council bluffs iowa usa
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | lewis&clarck | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | extreme wheels | | Strengths: | good shox-durable and dependable, gears are very nice, light easy to handle | | Weaknesses: | not the best cranks | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500 | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awsome for casual mountain riders. and a great bike for unexpected jumps or drop offs.I own this bike and would suggest it to most mountain bikers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcel
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | caps | | Strengths: | light weight, solid frame, bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | pedals, front deraileur | | Similar Products Used: | n/a demo rides only | | Bike Setup: | stock plus wireless cyclo computer (sigma) | | Bottom Line: | It's an entry level bike perfect for someone like me who goes off road but is not an extreme rider. If you want more performance buy a better bike. Rode 250 kms on an abandoned rail bed in the mountains and it handled the gravel, mud, cattle guards nicely. As long as the frame holds out I'm satisfied. The components can always be replaced. Liked it well enough to buy one for my better half. There are other comparable bikes out there so find the one you like and just ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slick Willy
a Weekend Warrior
from Corinth, Mississippi, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal Loop (KY) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes@Moore (Hopkinsville, KY) | | Strengths: | Killer bike for the average rider. Good front forks...The Jett handles all the hard hittin' crap that I have put it through with not problems at all. Also good tires and rims, but the pedals really suck. Going to upgrade to clippless pedals soon. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals defintely...Also the seat. The material pinches my a** every once in a while. Don't know about everyone else, but that drives me crazy. Gonna' upgrade the seat too. Also would like to upgrade to XT components, but before doing that I will juster purchase maybe a 6700 or something a little nicer. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Specialized Rock HOpper, Trek 4300, | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock except for Lizard Skin to take care of the chainslap, Bar ends, and pretty cool Cateye computer. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. But I think that I outgrew it too fast. I am an old BMX'er and I love to jump and go real fast. My hats off to you riders that can hammer through the woods and force people to stop and let you by...Kick A** | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | tri-canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | no free advertising for them | | Strengths: | good beginner bike
inexpensive
stable, so long as you don't push it | | Weaknesses: | derailleurs
shifters
pedals
bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | deore derailleurs, better grips, better pedals | | Bottom Line: | if you are really getting into riding, you will outride this thing in 2 months. i have destroyed 2 cassettes, the rear derailleur, and the outer chain ring. one rough descent sends the alivio derailleur out of adjustment. it gets squirrely on rough descents, and tight winding singletracks. it is difficult to control at high speeds through technical areas. it is a great bike if you plan on babying it. i rate it high because it's not meant for what i do to it. buy this bike if you are a beginner who isn't looking to ride competitively. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
b dawg
a Weekend Warrior
from buffalo
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | berts bikes | | Strengths: | its relatively cheap, cool handle bars, lighter than my bmx bike... | | Weaknesses: | fork has brushing play, reflectors are stupid | | Similar Products Used: | old treks | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | its a good beginning bike, im going to upgrade the fork to duke something, and maybe avid discs in the front. The judy has brushing play that makes it seem like the head set is loose (more annoying than anything). I think its a good bike for the price and I would recommend it if your starting out. Im putting the value rating down because of brushings | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph Pradera
a Weekend Warrior
from Plant City, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWorks | | Strengths: | - Great frame
- Nice factory fork
- Good tires
- Very light weight
- Derailleurs are good | | Weaknesses: | - Paint job (chips easy)
- Seat (very uncomfortable)
- Factory bottom bracket (had it replaced twice)
- Chain rings bend easy
- Pedals got to go | | Similar Products Used: | - Giant Yukon
- Gary Fisher Marlin
- Diamondback Outlook | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | This a good bike for a person just getting into the sport. If anyone was like I was and was unsure if they wanted to spend a lot of money this bike is very inexpensive compared to others. It rides nice and does the job. I am basically a weekend warrior, but I am starting to take my weekend trips to a whole new level. The bike holds up for now and takes a good beating, but I will eventually have to step up, but for now it suits me fine. Some more clips and videos of the bike being put to the test can be seen at www.undergroundfocus.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Still too early | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | I Martin | | Strengths: | Great ride, comfortable fun, does pretty much everything a beginner could expect. | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips off waaay too easily. Brake pads slipped at first and you can't attach stirrups to the stock pedals. Also, I've experienced quite a bit of chain suck, but that could be me. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Giant Ranier, Kona Fire Mt. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | I'm new to Mt. Biking and this I believe is the perefect Hard Tail for starters. It was more comfortable, a smoother ride and more manageable than the other bikes I tested, and though the Kona may have had "better components", for a beginner I think it's really important to feel comfortable on your first bike to keep you interested. I'm sure I'll upgrade in a year or two, but for now I'm very pleased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trey Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingwood Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source | | Strengths: | Great Bike, great for just trail riding, good characteristics on the road, too. Rides like a dream, easy to work on, suspention is great. | | Weaknesses: | Still light, but gets heavy when you lifting it over deep water......... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Youkon | | Bike Setup: | Alpha Aluminum Frame, Judy TT shocks, Bontrager crank, Shamono Avilo shifting, Promax V-Brakes, Crowbar. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, and can't get enough of it. I just hope when I upgrade to the 4900 or 6500, its just as great of a bike. Get it if you ride it hard, and give it some punishment. If your an experenced rider, its a great bike, but you know a full suspention is better. If your a beginner, or just a weekend worrior, get it, its a great entry level bike, but more experenced riders, like myself, love it too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Mac
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Newlands | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Cylcopedia, Kingston | | Strengths: | Great for the beginner. A light bike with good named stock. The best of the ones I tried. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres need a decent pressure to prevent flats. Chain Slap! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin bobcat, Dawes Acoma, Giant | | Bike Setup: | 2002 setup, 21" top tube, Kore riser bar (wider than the stock) | | Bottom Line: | I am a big guy 6'2", 275lbs/125 kilos (hey I'm a rugby player), and I've had no hassle with this bike. I've rode it on some good trails and everything is still running true. I've not yet had any paint chips. A fine bike for £429. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Wakefield MA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fellsway | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleloft | | Strengths: | Seems like a good starting point for entry level riders. Light frame, decent components. | | Weaknesses: | Seat - but if you are sitting for long periods of time, you just aren't riding hard enough. Besides, that what padded bike shorts are for. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock. | | Bottom Line: | I don't think it's half bad. I'm a lighter guy and it seems to be a decent bike for me. Muddy uphill sections are a pain (can't seem to find a decent balance on it between spinning or wheeling). Read tons of reviews saying tires are crap, this could be why. I wrapped the chain stay with duct tape on the first day (quiets chain slap and prevents chipping). If you want a balls-out, scream down any terrain, this bike isn't for you. You're goning to be picking and choosing a line for your decents on this bike. I think in two years I'll be upgrading to a rocky mtn bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Page
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYTHING!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Medford Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | Frame is awesome for what I do, everything else (components wise) stunk... initially | | Weaknesses: | bent all 3 of my chainrings stimultaneously, bent the chinsy Alivio R derailleur the first hard fall, bent the front derailleur in the process of the chainrings bending...rims went out of true first big drop, then were fine after i trued them, brakes left much to be desired, but after changing the pads to Aztec 2s they worked cherry. pedals: bought the clipless insert for the wellgo pedals, broke both inserts the 1st time i clipped in...upgraded to single clip shimano SPDs...once again, no problem since...kudos to trek on including the replacable derailleur hanger in the rear...will be using it soon. paint chips if u look at it wrong (consider buying touch up paint) | | Similar Products Used: | GT Palomar (truth be told, no comparison whatsoever to the quality of the trek, the GT fell apart in 3 months) | | Bike Setup: | 99'Marzocchi z.2 BAM fork with 80 mm, trek system 2 90mm x 5 degree stem, shimano clipless pedals, shimano LX cranset (sporting a 22-32-44) shimano XT rear derailleur, front derailleur, and splined BB, Formula disc compatable race hubs; sun rims, GEAX sturdy rear tire, stock bontrager jones front tire (once again, kudos to trek, gr8 tire choice), Lizard skins chainstay guard (a must to silence the chain rattle when i go down rocky or rooty singletrack)ODI rogue lock-on grips. | | Bottom Line: | stock: great urban assault vehicle...keep an extra C-note handy to replace your wheels the first time u get sideswiped by a car, luckilly mine just needed a good mechanic to true em. gr8 starter bike for the beginning racer (once a year)or for getting the kids started into mountain biking.
upgraded as specifed above: needs disc brakes, they supply the hangers,i bought the disc compatable wheels, i just need to buy the brakes. would not recommend buying derailleurs seperately as Alivio and XT work together like oil and water. Seeing as how i ride an average of 15 miles a day...sometimes as much as 50, i wear out parts easily. take bike on rough singletrack average of 4 times a week, now that summer's is here, 7 days a week (don't be jealous) as of yet nothing upgraded has given me any trouble at all, except the rims (I sacrificed strength for weight...BIG mistake)
stock: 5 out of 5 for value, 4 out of 5 overall
now: 5 for value, 5 overall | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Kerr
a
from Edmonton,Alberta,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle | | Strengths: | Rock Shox Judy TT are go,preloaded.they get nice and lose or tight fo trials:),frame nice a strong,head set and handle bars are awsome.derailer is good no bad sifting.brakes work wicked. | | Weaknesses: | could be better shox,not staying they are bad but not much travel 3.15 inch | | Bike Setup: | has a good setup i like it and it will do fo what i put it trough | | Bottom Line: | its a good bike and i would buy it if u like urban riding or in the trals | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zachary Kahn
a Weekend Warrior
from Madsion, WI
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Middleton Cycle | | Strengths: | Good price for all the components | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm really impressed with this sofar. I took it off road this past weekend for a little bit and it was a joy. I can't wait to do more with it. Good bang for the buck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hal Lepic
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | All Terrain Cycles | | Strengths: | Good looks, nice styling, reasonably priced | | Weaknesses: | None so far, however the model I ride is the 4400 which is identical to the 4500 but has RST Gamma shox instead. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Palomar, | | Bike Setup: | As standard so far but will get a pair of Rockshox to upgrade, also a sprung seat post. | | Bottom Line: | The 4400 and the 4500 are identical except for the forks and the selection of colours.
I still struggle to understand though, why are the bikes in the states so much cheaper than the UK. A 4500 model is equivalent to $565 as standard.
Good luck to you US off roaders, you seam to be able to get great deals in the US, where-as here in the UK we have to pay through the nose.....
The ratings are based on ther UK price market not the US | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donner
a Cross Country Rider
from galax virginia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any w/dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | newriverridersbikeshoppe | | Strengths: | frame, frame appearance, value | | Weaknesses: | paint chipping, rough shifting, anoining clicking around chainstay, | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock, did purchase a shock seat post and a better seat. | | Bottom Line: | for the $ it is no use complaining. It is great for the price, with decent components. Something needs to be done with the chipping paint. I have never seen a bike chip paint like this. I have never had any problems with tires, i ride an average of 30+ miles wkly. (If you are a beginner, look at this bike) If you are more experienced, this bike was not designed for you. I do plan to upgrade over time. Great frame to build up with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Weekend Warrior
from
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Den | | Strengths: | sweet lookin frame, judy works good, good drive train for the money, i love the seat, i think the tires work well, others disagree | | Weaknesses: | i havent found any except for chainslap, i get a lot with this bike | | Similar Products Used: | shcwinn frontier fs, wal-mart crap | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for azonic a-frames clipless | | Bottom Line: | this bike is what i believe to be the best deal for the price, i ride atleast 2 miles a day for over a month now and no problems, ive jumped a few times and rims are still true, i love this thing, if ur aint got no money like me, buy this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, GA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | Great frame, comfortable seat, great components for the price of the bike and very upgradeable. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Seirra, but it really isn't that similar. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for the money. Unless your racing or really going to do downhill or 3' jumps this bike will do whatever you want it to. So far I love it and it has done anything I wanted it to. If your an advanced rider you will want something else and Trek never intended it to be for them. If you just want to hit the trails and have fun without getting really technical then this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary, alberta, canada
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | wildhorse/kananaskis | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | ridleys | | Strengths: | $650CDN. bottom end of trek line - but good frame and reasonably good generic componants. judy TT shocks smooths small bumps and allows climbing without energy-wasting pogoing. strong wheels (have not bent or broken anything yet) and good shaped saddle. | | Weaknesses: | riding position too upright. front derailleur shifts poorly (shimano alivio). have to keep drive-train really clean to shift well. lots of chain rub when honking. stock tires are crap. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 7000, precision ??? (recently deceased steel framed commuter bike) | | Bike Setup: | currently set up for summer communting. flatbar with bar ends, wellgo clipless pedals, 5-degree stem, tiogo city slickers 1.50", rack & panniers. | | Bottom Line: | for me, a good commuter bike - not too expensive, but better & more durable than a department store bike (can withstand curbs, potholes, snow, salt & other crap)
this is excellent value for the money. bike cost only half as much as my "serious" mountain bike (trek 7000), but is only a marginally poorer bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a Cross Country Rider
from
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | highland park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Den Sports | | Strengths: | its so much lighter than my old bike, shifts like a dream compared to that one too, rims seem pretty strong | | Weaknesses: | i hate chainslap, it makes me cringe, this bike seems to get alot of chainslap, i need a lizerd skin maybe | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn frontier fs, couple others | | Bike Setup: | stock with azonic a-frames clipless | | Bottom Line: | i love this thing, it was so much worth the money i spent | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart Borowiec
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any dirty one | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | dont wanna say | | Strengths: | Mostly the frame and seatpost and cockpit and the looks from far away | | Weaknesses: | rims and shifter and the shock and the brakes
| | Bottom Line: | get the bike if you are light and dont ride abusively, my next ride will be definitely with bomproof rims and discs cause the vbrakes dont stop for (bleep) and are the (bleep) to adjust and replace pads, plus if the rims wobble just a tad bit the brakes get messed up with discs they dont. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Hillsborough, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | High Gear Cyclery, Stirling NJ | | Strengths: | Solid machine and quality components for the money. I even like the saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals. Subtracting a value chili for them. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Shimano dual-purpose pedals (M324?) | | Bottom Line: | Am a road rider but wanted something for low-key rides on trails, towpaths, not to mention the neighborhood with the kids. This bike lets you do all that but also gives you the option of the occasional mountain attack. Am loving the front suspension and it was great on Bike New York, the 5-boro, 42-mile tour that takes you across some nasty potholes, bridge gratings, etc. I got caught in a jam with my shoes clipped in and went down on the asphalt and I cannot find a scratch anywhere on the bike. The Bontrager tires roll really nicely for knobbies. You could get all this with the 4300 and save some cash but the 4500 gives you the Judy Rock Shox fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Santelices
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | JAX Bicycles | | Strengths: | Strong frame,great components and shocks for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Seat sucks!!!! Upgraded to Azonic Love Seat. Best seat I have ever purchased. Also upgraded stem, pedals and grips. | | Bike Setup: | TREK 4500 frame, Rock Shox Judy TT forks | | Bottom Line: | I really enjoy this bike. For the price I am very pleased. With the upgrades this bike is ready for almost anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Mick
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Twisty trails in the forest near my house. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Bertrand | | Strengths: | Good fork (Judy TT) for the price, light, solid frame with lifetime warranty, good drivetrain, good wheels, looks good too. | | Weaknesses: | none so far, heard the paint chips easily, but I don't know for sure. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500 | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price. It's good for people who like to ride easier trails, not for hardcore mountain bikers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric hansen
a Cross Country Rider
from alaska
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | steep stuff | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | the Bike shop | | Strengths: | it's cheep, good beginner bike | | Weaknesses: | short frame, chain suck, I bent the rear hub, rust on cables, week rims, fork dosn't have enough travel. | | Bike Setup: | i added bar ends so I could get further forward on the short frame. | | Bottom Line: | The short wheel base on the frame makesa it hard to get a good riding position. The hub bent from a meer 3 foot drop. It is good bike for people who stay on well established trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reuben
a Weekend Warrior
from NSW,Australia
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Amgerdine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek dealer | | Strengths: | Extremely nice bike,smooth and easy to climb,handles trails relatively well. | | Weaknesses: | Frame is too weak to handle DH but its ok for all round riding or trails. Grips sucks. Too heavy after adding additional components | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F700,Specialized Hardrock(all friends bikes) | | Bike Setup: | Didn't like the components so I changed practically everything. Psylo XC's,Full XTR,Azonic worldforce handlebars and Shorty Stem,Mavic 517,Magura HS-22. | | Bottom Line: | It is a very good bike and an all rounder, very good value for money too..,the frame i mean. Should be sticking to it for quite long, especially after the components i put in. May decide to change to a DH bike later, like Specialized big hit or an Ellsworth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabriel Garrido
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chipinque | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Bike (Laredo, TX.) | | Strengths: | Pretty light for the price I paid !!!, Rock Shox Judy TT work great. Smooth shifting. Great tire grip ad handling. | | Weaknesses: | I don't like the pedals, as soon as i get a chance I'll change'em. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M80 feels a lot like it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but as I told you I'm gonna chage the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | OK, the Chipinque Mountain in Monterrey, Mexico has a lot of trails. The one I like riding is 14km (9 miles)long, and it goes up to a peak of the mountain (that's 7 km ) very smoth at first, but very steep at the end, and then comes the fun part .....DOWN HILL ALL THE WAY BACK BABY !!!. This bike really takes a lot of crap without getting harmed. I improved mi timing by around 15% since this bike is much lighter than my old bike and it handles a lot better.If you are not a pro and have a chance to try it.... do it !!! Don't spend your money on a more expensive bike that might work exactly the same for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Beefcake
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fremont older | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Stan's Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame is fairly light, judy get's the job done. Shifting is decent. | | Weaknesses: | the Pedals are craptastified, very flat and gripless, but the bike shop switched 'em out for me free of charge with some better grip metal ones with toe clip capability. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock, giant yukon. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for gel seat and new pedals | | Bottom Line: | compared to other companies products, this one seemed to be the best value for the money. It's a pretty cheap bike for all the goodies that come with it. i haven't been riding it for long, but so far the tires have held up fine, but seem to lose a little traction on tight turns. I've done some fairly steep ascents and decents, and I feel that I can go much faster without loss of control. Yet i'm not sure if the preload on the shock really even does anything, but the Judy TT's are a good value. off small jumps though, the kickstand and chain slap a little, which gets annoying. Overall........excellent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vern Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura Ca USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$389.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Scene | | Strengths: | The frame is good, and fairly light. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and Front crank are pretty bad, chain suck is terrible, starting to realize that the stem angle is terrible. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | added a speedo | | Bottom Line: | I put up a review not long ago on this bike, and I was saying that I liked it. I have since began to change my impressions.
The chain sucks up around the front crank so bad now that I have just about thrown it off a cliff. I have had two front sprockets bend, one time it bent for no apparent reason. To Trek's credit they replaced it free both time, the second time upgrading it to a better onr for me.
The tires seem to lose grip cornering on a dirt base, they are also so easy to get splinters into the tubes it is not kidding. I will be upgrading them soon if I keep this bike much longer.
With the up angle on the stem I am having a hard time climbing some steep hills, it feels as if I am sitting too verticle in the seat. the front tire seems to want to rise, I am finding it hard to get enough weight forward to keep the front tire down and stay in control. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Saskatoon, Sk. Canada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | local dealer | | Strengths: | Overall, good components for the price point. Comfortable variable body positioning. Feels great riding for hours on trails, paths and roads. Pretty smooth shifting (I think would be greatly improved with better shifters) | | Weaknesses: | I don't know who or what was used to paint this frame but i'm not sure if there will be any paint left by the end of the month. Paint peeling from brake and derailer cable contact and from no contact at all! Shifters need upgrading, no other complaints in this first week. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona fire mountain. Marin bobcat trail. Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far except for Zefal fenders (one of which promptly snapped like a piece of dry pasta in sub 0 celsius temps) Cateye headlamp added. | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I'd be really happy with this bike for the price except for that paint. I guess if it continues severely I'll just polish it down to clean aluminum. The weight adds up with locks and accessories. I would recommend this bike to others, it is better than everything else i rode at this price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Allamuchy, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Allaire State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft In Chester NJ | | Strengths: | Decent Componentry, Trek durability, Trek warranty, | | Weaknesses: | Paint Chips Easily, After 2 days of moderate trail riding I have chips all over bottom tubes and chainstay. I realize this is a mountain bike but I have owned 3 in past and never seen paint chip this easily. Oh well. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, Trek 950, Nishiki Backroads, GT Timberline FS | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a good bike on a budget. It certainly has its weaknesses, but overall it is a durable strong bike that can gtake a beating. As far as upgrading components, i can say this, Check out ebay. I am in process of upgrading shifters and derailleurs for a very cheap price from people on ebay. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody Mikeska
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ant Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$319.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Solid aluminum frame coupled with quality Shimano components. Shifting is really smooth and responsive, and the Judy TT shock absorbs the bumps pretty well. | | Weaknesses: | The seat and pedals. I replaced them after a week of riding. Trust me, you WON'T get used to the seat, no matter how many people tell you that. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This was my first hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the seat and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a really good bike for someone who's wondering if riding the trails is for them. It rides smooth and relatively fast, and the Shimano components are definitely a plus. I haven't had any problems with flats like other reviewers have; just make sure you increase the tire pressure to about 48-50 psi. I've ridden it hard for the past month, and I haven't run into any problems. Bottom line: For the price and the rock solid Trek warranty, you can't beat it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Powers
a Weekend Warrior
from New York U.S,!
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Still Well | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands cycle | | Strengths: | Frame,light etc. | | Weaknesses: | crank, grips,tubes not tires etc. | | Similar Products Used: | 820, 430, huffy alpine etc. | | Bike Setup: | stock upgrades to come | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, definitely worth it, i bought a huffy alpine for 100 dollars and figured i could use it to ride to still well instead of my bmx bike the first day i came back i had bent rims screwed up deraliers my tire was rubbing on the rim my right pedal shattered grips coming off so then i tried my friends 820 and it was pretty good so i got the trek 4500 then after 2 weeks i bent the derailler hanger but got it fixed right away and now its great. Trek rules! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Weekend Warrior
from Catonsville, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Power Lines | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Race Pace | | Strengths: | Easily upgraded, mainly because it needs it. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, drive train, tires, fork, tires, seat,tires, wheelset, tires, | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized P3, Trek 4900, my friend's hilarious mongoose, Trek 800 Sport | | Bike Setup: | '02 Psylo XC fork, Bontrager Crowbar, stock drivetrain, Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires, SDG comp saddle, Azonic ORC stem, ODI Ruffian Grips, Azonic Fender, Odssey Triple Trap Pedals | | Bottom Line: | The bike seemed alright when I first got it, but after riding it for a while, MANY problems made them selves evident to me, the silly flimsy sidewalls on the tires, the silly flimsy single-walled wheelset, the silly flexy fork, the painfully gripless stock pedals, and the craptastic tires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vern Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura Ca
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Not sure yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Scene | | Strengths: | I like the name brand components, though probably lower grade. I like the click shifting as well. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, 3 flats in 4 trail rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DSTwo | | Bike Setup: | clipless pedals, added climbing bars, the rest is all stock | | Bottom Line: | I did not have a lot of money to spend, nor was I sure that cycling was something I was going to stay with. I wanted a bike better than the Wal-Mart special though, and I definately got that. I am happy with it, I am a month into mountain biking and have not ridden a bike in about 16 years, so getting on this thing was much easier than I thought it was going to be.
I have been riding every day at least 8 miles a day both street use and trail use. It has held up fine, I had one issue with a tweaked front sprocket. The bike store replaced it though free of charge and other than the flats I cannot complain.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damien Hopkins
a
from Evergreen Colorado
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Falcon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Great Bike! Does everything I need to do. Could be a tade bit lighter, but for the cost, what can you expect. I would recomened this bike for all begginers, and intermediate bikers. I have had no problems with flats so... Who knows. Everything on my bike is stock. | | Weaknesses: | The Wheels SUCK so badly!!! I got into a minor accident and the first thing that went worng was rims had already bent. And the seat is so uncomfortable. I would recomened to anybody is planning on buying this bike to replace the wheels, and to replace the seat. | | Bike Setup: | Completely Stock | | Bottom Line: | IT IS A GREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LUKE Whowantstoknow
a Weekend Warrior
from Tokyo, Alaska
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle path | | Strengths: | It is a very strong frame. Reasonably light. I love the Judy TTs and the bontrager components are awsome. The shimano drivetrain has smooth and seamless shifting if you keep the bike maintained. | | Weaknesses: | Tires SUCK! I'm gonna replace them with WTB Velociraptors(2.4") | | Similar Products Used: | Pacific Legend | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Really Gnarly bike for your weekend warrior. I am an avid rider (about 3mi. a day) and the bike suits me fine. I think it is way better than that sorry as* Pacific. It is also better than the Gary Fisher Marlin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Blacksburg, Virginia
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sarver's cabin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$385.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesmith of Williamsburg | | Strengths: | affordable, decent frame, looks pretty sharp | | Weaknesses: | tires prefer to be flat, teeth snapped off every gear, spongy fork, trek-legendary horrible, awful, disgusting drivetrain, and rust, rust, rust on the wheels, nipples, anywhere with steel-aluminum contact. the rust came even during one of the worst droughts in virginia history. | | Similar Products Used: | hardly similar, but the bike before the trek was a schwinn sidewinder... sadly, the trek was barely an improvement. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i wouldn't buy another one and i highly discourage those who are considering it. if you want a good bike you're going to have to ante up to a 6700 to get decent components | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
twiggy
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow, Scotland
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | West Highland Way (Sorry Ramblers) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | ALPINE BIKES (Price £429.99) | | Strengths: | Excellent riding position, Adjustable tension in forks great for all round use, not too bouncy either, unlike some other bikes around at the moment. Unlike everyone else, I've found the tires really good for wading through mud, and they seem to hold the tarmac pretty well too. It looks the part and the brakes are good too! | | Weaknesses: | Rust on bolts and spoke eyelets within weeks. I don't think it's built for the Scottish weather. Toy plastic pedals are no use and the paintwork seems to chip and wear away easily. So I'm a bit worried about how long it will last. Oh and what's the sticker on the frame all about? "This bicycle is not intended for aggressive off road riding". Doesn't seem to have done mine any harm. | | Similar Products Used: | The next Trek up, 5000? I think. It seems very similar but with disc brakes which are exceptional. Also rusts tho. | | Bike Setup: | As bought. The only thing I've changed is the pedals. I'm also using Knightlites for scary night time riding, but the battery pack has worn the paint of the frame - so tape your frame up first. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike - but Scottish readers should expect rust. The suspension is great - just what I was looking for not too bouncy and can be tightened right up. I haven't seen any other bikes in this price range with suspension this good. So hats off to TREK for breaking with tradition and not making another pogo stick bike. Bottom line? I love it, but how long will it last? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trigger
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission, BC
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cap's Abbotsford | | Strengths: | Reasonably light. A good price at $650 Cdn., decent components for the buck. The bike takes a good pounding without complaint. Comfortable on long rides. The Judy TT performs well for an elastomer. | | Weaknesses: | The tires suck. They are OK on the road, but off-road it's just a case of too many flats and not enouigh traction. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | factory stock | | Bottom Line: | It's a really good bike, if anything happened to it I'd replace it with another 4500. When I compared it to other bikes available in the area that are in the same price range (Rocky Mountain Blazer, Oryx Equipe, Gary Fisher Wahoo, Norco Kokanee), the 4500 looked to be the best of the lot. Not that any of these bikes are bad, just that the 4500 has a better combination of components. If you wear out or break any parts, the bike is worthy of upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Strengths: | For the money you spend, you get a light bike with great components that satisfy the beginner/weekend warrior with money left over to upgrade and HOW COOL is the paint job? | | Weaknesses: | The tires flat out suck...I have racked myself twice because they give you little grip going uphill or on sand. The seat has only ONE spot where it is comfortable, shifting controls are placed akward so you can't really grip on the handlebars and shift at the same time, but these problems are not big. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Something equivalent | | Bike Setup: | chain guard, shift/brake control lever upgrade (broke the stock ones when parents drove through garage with bike on top of car, Panaracers, Selle Italia seat | | Bottom Line: | For the 350-400 you spend on this bike, you will be ready to have a good time on the trails. This bike is great stock and even better with just a few upgrades. I have so much fun riding this bike on trails and around campus.
If you are deciding between the 4300 and the 4500, go for the 4500. For 50 or 75 bucks you get so much more bike. This bike is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Seaga
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Florida, US
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$365.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle mart - miami | | Strengths: | great look, great ride, light frame, fairly good components for the price | | Weaknesses: | tires....replaced them after a week. | | Bike Setup: | Night hawk dual lights, panoram wireless cyclocomputer, nashbar gell seat | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for an advanced beginner, someone who is getting into the sport but isn't 100% sure yet. It's light, and trek has stocked it with good components for the price. So far this bike has taken everything I've thrown at it. This ride is definately HOT! Great for everyday riding as well as trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from new providence
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | high gear | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | everything including the store | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon | | Bottom Line: | i wish i listened to the other bike shops
they told me giant makes the frame for trek and specialized
basically the giant yukon is 50 dollars cheaper
and has alot better stuff on it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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