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Submitted by
Gee MacB
a Downhiller
from Glasgow
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | The World | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | I usually ride downhill, however i bought the Trek 4500 frame to build up to a trail/cross country MTB. i paid 100 GBP for the frame however have spend a further £500 building it and it is the best hardtail i have ever riden. the frame is super light and with a good set of forks it rides really smooth. | | Weaknesses: | there are few weaknesse, however i found it hard to find a seatpost to fit the frame it has a very wide diameter however www.chainreactioncycles.com sell a wide range of seatposts which fit. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock, rockhopper, trek 3500 | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox recon forms 100ml, hope mini disc brakes, azonic stem, body comfort saddle, allex rims, shimano shifters, michelan xc dry tyres, shimano XT hubs, Club Roost sport seatpost, Race Fack xc Bars, Club Roost bar ends... | | Bottom Line: | The trek 4500 frame is a perfect bike for intermediate to experienced riders as it is super light 2kg and is strong and robust. although i have only owned the bike for three months i will not be upgrading anytime soon and would recommend the frame to anyone who is interested in beggining MTB or is already an experienced rider. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, Ky, USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirt road and trails behind my house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | Nat's Outdoor Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Looks great! Shifts well. Strong Frame. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is hard as a rock, forks are a little soft but not too bad. | | Similar Products Used: | None really. Only WalMart bikes before this one. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For a beginner like myself this bike is better than I could have imagined. Rides great and looks great. Everyone who has seen it was impressed by the looks, even my friends who aren't riders. I weigh 205 at 5'6" and this bike holds up well. The forks are just a bit soft like other people have stated but not bad enough for me to bottom them out, and I have tried.
The seat is really the only bad thing I can say about this bike. It feels soft when you push on it with your fingers but it feels like riding on a piece rock when you are riding. This can be simply remedied though with a slip on gel cover or just replacing the seat.
For beginners like me this is a great bike and is worth the money. Professionals will need to go to a higher level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles
a Weekend Warrior
from Camino, CA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$379.00 | | Purchased At: | Placerville Bike Ship | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. As most have said, this is an entry-level mountain bike with lower-end Shimano drivetrain components. Beautiful paint (silver with Trek red). | | Weaknesses: | This model did not come with disk brakes this year ('02) and retrofitting is a very costly alternative -- $300+ for new wheels plus disc brakes/levers/cables. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to see if I would like mountain bike riding. It has been an ideal bike for the type of riding I do off road. Solid frame and components a level above big box stores. Recommend it highly -- good value for the the cost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brock
a Weekend Warrior
from Nowhere, VT
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Earle's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Fairly light, bars, and stem | | Weaknesses: | Terrible cranks, fork, seat, and the grips are uncomfortably thick. Leads to discomfort after a long day at the local dirt course. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock accept for seat and cranks. | | Bottom Line: | Good beginner bike for the price. Don't plan on riding in under 40 degree weather or you'll be riding with a rigid fork. All around good bike. All i can say is change the seat, fork, grips, and cranks if you jump at all. For those who ride the easier trails this is the bike for you. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nobody Isperfect
a
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | downtown rush hour | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | La cordée | | Strengths: | Cheap... | | Weaknesses: | Still looking... maybe the handlebar is OK... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper, Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | My review is about the original setup | | Bottom Line: | I'm writing this review since I just bought a new frame an no parts are left at ALL from the original setup exept for the handlebar and rear derailleur. So I paid 400$ for a derailleur and handlebar. Not my greatest deal...
The frame is a crap (what kind of aluminum do they use to make a frame rigid where it's painfull and flexible everywhere it would be usefull ?) The fork is ... well its a cheap entry level suspension fork ... and that's the worst thing a susp fork can be. I had both wheels changed because the rims where defective but it took almost a year of discussioon with Trek and the retail store. In the meantime I had to buy another set... what else... OK to conclude if you want a bike... get a bike. But don't buy this 4500 thing since... it's not a bike... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso Summit | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath Oakville | | Strengths: | Good starter bike to get into serious mtb riding with. Beats any department store bike hands down. Far more reliable. Disk brakes are nice in wet or mud and modulate better than v-brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The stem is too high which results in climbing wheelies, Go clipless and chuck the flat pedals. The saddle is hideous and should be sold as a birth control device, get a Selle Italia. Brakes are nice, but I want more power. The whole bike is a bit heavy and the fork seems to blow more than usual when it's cold out. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock Pro, Gary Fisher Marlin, Trek 4300. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, Panaracer Fire 2.1's, Selle Italia saddel, Ritchy 100mm 6 deg stem, Replacement front wave rotor after scoring the stock one. Norco pads, Deore crankset, Crankbrothers Candy C pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The last year has been fun, I have abused the bike with several cross-country enduro races, and even used it for a cyclo-cross race! (yes, it is really heavy to carry when hopping over steeplechases!). The point being, that it can do most things and you'll still have a grin on your face. I agree that the fork blows, but again, it gives you an excuse to upgrade, which is half the fun. I'll likely upgrade the fork and maybe the derailleurs over the next year, then get something like a Giant Anthem to get really serious about the racing thing.
I think the 4500 is a great place to start, and it certainly has helped me get totally hooked on riding. I would recommend it as being tough and fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | tiger mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | pawn shop | | Strengths: | well first of i think the bike has great breaks for the price, the frame is nice and light and is easy to upgrade the parts. The bike is great for the money even though i did by it at a pawn shop for $150 i would have got it at a bike shop. | | Weaknesses: | first of all the seat sucks!. Also the derailuer is always messing up on me and i always have to adujust it. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hard rock | | Bike Setup: | stock except the rims which i have no clue what kind they are since the stickers fell off. | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike for crosscountry or mountain biking. I love it! just need to get a new seat and derailluers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik A
a Weekend Warrior
from Great Mills, MD
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Mary's County parks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycle, Jax Beach FL | | Strengths: | I love the bike. I do not think it's heavy. I do not have 5 g's to buy super light. | | Weaknesses: | I am not a hardcore bike guy, but I do not like the forks. Judy TT. The grips will not stay on either. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Cannondale etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for me. Mostly weekend rides and short rides during the week. I do have to work. IF you live in Jacksonville, BUY YOUR NEXT BIKE AT CHAMPION CYCLE IN JACKSONVILLE BEACH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Island, NY
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert's Bike Shop in Buffalo, NY | | Strengths: | The frame and components are very durable for an entry level like and have withstood 12,000 miles of mostly road riding and some trails with only three new tires and two new gear shifters. Handling on road is stable at speed and instills a good level of confidence around corners. The ride on smoother roads is relatively comfortable but ruts and off road riding can hurt a little. The gears are very well suited to the bike, are very closely spaced and are suitable for pedalling in any situation. The extra low gears are sensational for off road hills and make short work of any light to medium duty trail. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is still very heavy, making it hard to get much in the way of speed on the road. I average about 16 mph on the road, but because of the weight and the rolling resistence on the tires, it is very hard to achieve that number. The brakes have loosened over time and do not stop very well anymore. The handlebar grips do not stay on at all and every time I put them back on, they slip off within the day. The gear sprokets have worn down to the point where first gear is unusable. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a Schwinn Mesa, Raleigh M60 and Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock | | Bottom Line: | A good entry level mountain bike for those who are interested in riding on light and mediun trails as well as riding on the road provided you don't have to go particularly fast. It is not a good choice for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot for a like to ride on the road (Like I did). For riding on the road, save another $150 and get an entry-level Schwinn Fastback for about $550. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Weekend Warrior
from Morden
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | norquay | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | solid frame, wheels can take a beating, bars and deraillers and tires. it climbs well and the handling is decent enough for single track. | | Weaknesses: | the fork is garbage, when the weather gets cold you might as well be riding a rigid. the BB also has a tendency to loosen. the grips are huge and uncomfortable as well. | | Similar Products Used: | giant iguana, rocky mountain trailhead, rm fusion. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for new pedals | | Bottom Line: | i have abused this bike beyond what it is built to take and it is still solid. It's stood up to 5-6 foot drops to flats, plus over 2000km of trail riding. the fork is a major downside though, it's not good for anything, 70mm of sketchy, unpredictable travel that freezes solid if the temp gets close to zero, which happens 80% of the year in canada. overall a solid bike that will take a beating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Olson
a Weekend Warrior
from Redwood City, CA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bayside Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Decent mountain bike with a 24 in frame. Trek seems to be the only manufacturer that builds a 24 inch mountain bike. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy bike... though I have a rack on the rear. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek MultiTrack hybrid. | | Bike Setup: | Stock components | | Bottom Line: | I am 6-6 and find it hard to get a large frame mountain bike. This bike fits me fine with the 24 inch frame. Use it primarily for city communting and light trails. Not good on technical trails. Overall a great bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from W. Rutland, VT USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | First Stop Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good Strong frame, I rode it 4-5 days a week last summer at Killington down the gnarliest singletrack and it hasn't failed. I replaced the derrailleurs though, upgraded to Deore. | | Weaknesses: | The derrailleurs and cranks definately need an upgrade if you're going to be riding a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT | | Bike Setup: | Stock outside of new derraileurs and cranks. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome, it's held up ten times better than I thought it would when I first bought it. Compared to some of the higher end bikes I've tried, this one keeps up with all of them, I reccomend this to anyone who rides a lot of aggressive singletrack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
christian alexander
a Cross Country Rider
from tampa FL
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | dud thames bike shop | | Strengths: | the bike is a great all around bike that is very fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | no weaknesses i can see and i have rode over 2000 miles around tampa on it and the only things i have had to change are the brakes and the tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | no products have even came close. | | Bike Setup: | disk brakes and shimano gears | | Bottom Line: | Its a great all around bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin Headlands | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 449 | | Strengths: | Fit, componants for the money, comparison with similarly priced bikes not fair comparison | | Weaknesses: | I'd like a tad more grip from the tires. I have a sore butt, but really, that may be because I haven't been in the saddle in quite a while | | Similar Products Used: | Hard Rock Comp - 1989 | | Bike Setup: | Acero/Deore | | Bottom Line: | I used to ride a Specialized Hardrock in the late 80's. I haven't ridden a mountain bike in over 10 years. I hurt my knee several months ago and haven't been able to run since then. My doc said a bike would work as a replacement. About 6 hours ago, I bought a 4500. I imediately drove over the Golden Gate bridge and up a short stretch of highway 1 to the Marin Headlands parking lot. I hopped on the bike for the first time and was surprised at how comfortable it was, save the seat. I rode out on the paved trail to the dirt trail to the beach. Got going way too fast on a descent because I'm that way and worked the breaks hard and nothing locked up and I bounced over a big rut and my front wheel caught in another rut and I let the breaks off and hoped momentum would carry the day and it did.. The bike sure is better than my old Hard Rock. This bike is tight and seems quite tough, which it will have to be with me because I am hard on things and being six five, weigh 220. I am very, very pleased with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan v
a Weekend Warrior
from ontario
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | durham forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$489.00 | | Purchased At: | bycicles plus | | Strengths: | this bike to me was a all around great preformer, the frame never bent the rims never failed and i treated this bike like crap and the only thing that broke was my preload adj. this is the only bike i havent broke. long live trek. | | Weaknesses: | those darn grips.... and that anoying seat. the rockshock judy doesnt do to well with smaller bumps. | | Similar Products Used: | giant igauna, and some cndtire bike | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | if you want to get into mtb but dont have loads of cash buy this you can do alot worse. this bike shouldnt fail you. this is a perfect begginer bike go hit the trails. ps:change the seat | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Morraine, WI (first I hit) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle Center, Chicago IL | | Strengths: | All around great bike for the price, relatively forgiving purchase for those entering not knowing much about bikes as the mechanicals are all relatively decent provided the thing isn't taken on excessive beatings. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy as hell. Heavy fork, heavy frame, on uphills or in the wind the sucker feels like a lead weight. Never had any problems with the stock components, though the stock seatpost never appeared quite trustworthy and none of the components are (obvously) meant for serious bumpy rides. | | Bike Setup: | Somewhat modified: XT drivetrain, Mavic Crossmax wheelsets, ritchie pedals, thomson post, profile design barends. Stock fork soon to be replaced--the new wheels took a lot of weight off the back, the thing is suddenly frontheavy because of the Judy TT fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought it in Chicago, took it out on the streets 25 miles a day and to trails on the weekends and it held up quite well with its stock features. It's a good bike and was my entry into the mountain biking scene and is still my trusted set of cross country wheels. Will be taking it on to real mountains (in LA) in its modified form. It's just damn heavy though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Racer
from richtown, cali, us of a
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Strengths: | i got to give it up to this bike. I have riden in hard for two years and some. Taken it off road 3 days a week, races and all, and did great at the races. No up grades exception to stem, brake pads and rear tire after worn to a hole. | | Weaknesses: | I hate this bike when i think about it, because it is not meant to race, or be taken off road. It breaks and bends all the time, but i have the greatest mechanic that does all his work for free for me, so it works. I am now moving onto bigger and better things, a Cannondale 2000, its awesome. But im keepin onto the 4500, but not gona ride it, its like a first car. | | Similar Products Used: | none, its the best for the price | | Bike Setup: | stock mostly | | Bottom Line: | Sweet sweet bike for the price, but dont get if you are going to race, cause it just wont hold up, but you really can ride this thing hard for ages and it fail, exception to every once in a while. And if you take this baby racing, get a good cheap mechanic, or learn how yourself. RIP trek 4500 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Osler
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike King - Clinton, NJ | | Strengths: | Great Value! Solid frame, decent components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable seat, needs better front derailleur and better grips | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Love Seat upgrade | | Bottom Line: | This was my first mt bike purchase in many years. Great value for an entry level bike. Trek puts out a good product for the price. I haven't put it through any tough rides or drops, but it wasn't intended for that. Delivers as promised. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clarke
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb/Castlewood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | A-1 Bikes | | Strengths: | Looks great in blue, I haven't maintained it much and it still works after nearly 700 miles. Treks are the best; they just work properly. The pedals seem particularly nice. | | Weaknesses: | Bent the seatpost rails real fast. But that was because of washout mogul thingees along the river...Fork preload stopped working in about a minute and a half. Fork gets very still during cold weather. Drops chain more than I'd like. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Stock mechanicals. | | Bottom Line: | In spite of its basic componetry, it lasts a long time and is a heck of a lot of fun for 400 bucks. Personally, treks seem the coolest bikes, and I am trying to decide between a fuel 90 and a liquid 10 as my next bike (in 5 years.) For 90% of riders, the 4500 is plenty of a bike. It is pretty heavy, though. Ya gotta love the 'made in the usa' sticker along the chainstay on the right side. unless you're a dang frog. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stevo
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Insurance replacement! | | Strengths: | Burly frame, comfortable geometry, good spec for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Fork, not a big fan of the brakes either. | | Bike Setup: | Unrecognisable: Hayes HFX-9s, XT/Mavic F219 wheels, LX/XT drivetrain, Psylo XC fork, WTB Laser V saddle, Race Face stem, X-lite bar-ends, Continental Vertical Pro tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike. Got mine on insurance as a very pleasant replacement for a 10 year old Dawes. The bike has inspired me to get into mountain biking seriously. I didn't think the Promax brakes were up to much, despite some of the other reviews, but I'm pretty big, so maybe I take more stopping. The fork is reasonable for the money, but very poor compared to forks even a small step up the ladder (swap it for a Marzocchi MX Comp or Rockshox Psylo XC and enter a whole new world). Most of the other components have been great, especially the stock Bontrager stuff.
The geometry is quite upright, which is initially very comfortable and nice and stable for downhills, but isn't the most efficient for when you're working hard. A longer, flatter stem makes a big difference.
Great value, and worth a few upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Ord...make a turn and its a different kind of trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Corpus Christi Cycles | | Strengths: | Good value. Mine is actually a 2001 but its not that much different. When I got it, there wasn't anything out there that had as good a balance of parts for the money. The frame is light and if you upgrade it to replace whatever bugs you, you can't go wrong. | | Weaknesses: | Derailers: I have to adjust them often, probably a little every 50 miles or so. The front one in particular has to be messed with occasionally to keep it shifting up as well as down, and likes to toss the chain off from time to time. The Shimano instructions on how to adjust it suck, but once you get the trick to it its not that bad. The rear is easier to adjust, but when its out, its out.
Judy TT shock: Well, let's face it, it sucks. Its just a spring. But the forks being offered on the competition aren't much different...RST's, Suntours, whatever. I'm looking at upgrading it with the Total Air gadgets...I considered engineering my own dampening system but that looks a little easier. Till then, I just keep all the preload I can get dialed in to minimize the pogo and bobbing effects.
Hubs: Cheap. I've bent the rear axle on mine, and I don't ride hard at all. I started to true the rear wheel the other day on the bike when I noticed that the whole hub kind of spins out of whack. I just broke down and overhauled the thing, so I know the bearings are in perfect condition and it won't get any better. Get what you pay for I guess. But, it doesn't gyrate too badly and I don't really notice it on pavement.
Tires: They're not great but they roll fast on pavement. They're so-so on grip...even without clipless pedals I've spun the rear tire going uphill on anything other than pavement. | | Similar Products Used: | None - my road bike is completely different! :) | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Alivio), SRAM chain with clip style master link, Ritchey clipless pedals, Trek cargo rack | | Bottom Line: | I listed a lot of weaknesses, but those are the things people notice. I love my 4500, its a great bike for what I paid. If I was a millionaire I'd have a Blur, but I'm not so this will do. I'm tall enough that its not as upright for me as it is for other people, and other riders forget that you can just swap your stem over if you need to get lower. Its a great climber...not too heavy (other manufacturer's bikes in this range are the same or heavier), hardtail efficient, but kind of sucks coming down fast if its bumpy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Fallbrook, CA,USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Margarita River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycopath | | Strengths: | Great starter bike. Exceptional value. A lot of bike for the money. V- Brakes are about as good as it gets without being disc. Mavic wheelset has held up to a lot of abuse. Shimano group is sturdy and has worked well for me( Shimano Alivio). The "crowbar' handlebars are very comfortable. Overall comfortable bike. | | Weaknesses: | Cassette is kind of cheap, bent teeth on a couple of gears with normal riding. Bontrager tires are crap--no traction except on the easy stuff-forget about any serious climbing. Rockshox Judy TT isn't the best, but I guess you can't complain too much for $420. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock, some Mongoose piece of junk. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I switched the tires to the Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1's--very nice for $22 each. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this as my first bike, to see how if I liked the sport. I couldn't have made a better choice. TREK offers a great bike for the money here. This is the ideal beginners bike. I now love mountain biking and will be switching to full suspension soon, and this bike deserves a lot of credit for my love of riding. I have spent many fun-filled hours in the saddle. It is very user-friendly and is very forgiving for the beginner/novice. The best bike in it's price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Shepard
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Stevens, WA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dahlbero Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle centers Everett | | Strengths: | Strong and rleatively light frame. Great components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Seat and post need upgrading. 8 speed needs upgrade but it is still a great bike to upgrade as you can afford. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hard rock comp. | | Bike Setup: | LX rear der. LX shifters and brakes. Selle Italia pro link saddle. LX crank. XT front der. Marzooki bomber fork. | | Bottom Line: | Great first bike.Better bikes can be bought for considerably more money but in this price range it is hard to beat the value offered as this bike only needs a few upgrades to make it a really great ride. I plan on riding all summer on this bike before replacing with a more expensive model? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio TX
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | MacAllister park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World blanco | | Strengths: | Durable frame, good Jones AC tires, solid derailer pack, brakes can take it, and the headset lasted a whole lot longer then it should have. | | Weaknesses: | chain rings are easily bent, rims wont last a season, neither will the clear coat, dude feels like I'm riding an 18 wheeler in a land of miatas | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Komodo | | Bike Setup: | LX cranks, LX/XT derailers, LX shifters, XT/ mavic 3.1 wheelset, selle italia prolink saddle. | | Bottom Line: | The 45 is a good place to start, but dont stay too long, you'll get pampered by the highrise stem and beaten by the cheap fork and wont be able to adjust well to a better ride. I replace what I break, so the setup should tell you something. For the price you get more then you pay for. Ride it like the marketers want you too and it will last forever, ride it like a race bike and its price will soon be evident | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Guildford, England
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Walton Cycles | | Strengths: | Good value, nice hardtail frame (well, for the money...), grippy tyres, Deore rear mech, ProMax V brakes (better than you might imagine). | | Weaknesses: | Despite having a nice light SL frame Trek have loaded it up with heavy parts, most obviously the Rock Shox Judy TT forks, and to some extent the Bontrager wheels/tyres. I can forgive the wheels because they are pretty tough for the money, but the Judy TT isn't really a very good fork.
Other concerns: Uncomfortable Bontrager saddle (though this is a personal preference...), grips twist around on the end of the riser bar (easily fixed so not too serious)
I find the Bontrager saddle very uncomfortable, but thats a personal choice. The grips don't stay in place (obviously this is easily fixed so not a serious concern). The Rock Shox Judy TT is heavy and doesn't have much travel. The paintwork seems a bit fragile. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4700 (2003) | | Bike Setup: | Lizard Skins on the chainstay | | Bottom Line: | I've got the 2004 model so there are a few differences from the 2003. Trek have used the SL frame so it is lighter than before. However this weight saving is totally lost underneath the Judy TT fork. For the money this bike is good value but clearly the fork is one area where Trek have saved money.
The ProMax V brakes might on the face of it seem less appealing than a Shimano offering but they actually work pretty well.
The wheels are a bit on the heavy side but seem durable and the tires cope well with mud both in terms of keeping some degree of traction but also shedding the mud as they go.
The clipless adaptable pedals have been improved and are no longer plastic. The Shimano cranks are also more rigid than before which I'm told is a good thing. Sadly the reflectors on the pedals cracked and fell off within a few weeks as they were cheap plastic - though I'm not too upset about that.
Its worth being aware that this bike has quite an upright geometry so do check that's your thing before parting with hard earned cash.
This bike is often seen as entry level. Although that's true, I think it under-sells it slightly, don't think you'll imediately need to upgrade it. The 2004 4500 is quite a good enough hardtail to keep most weekend riders very happy indeed. Sure I'll go full-sus eventually but for the budget I had I'm very happy and the Trek will remain a good 2nd bike for use in the winter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ceaser's Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Strong frame, cool looks, decent components, nimble | | Weaknesses: | The fork is hard on the fingers to tune, wheels come out of true easily, grips rotate during hard ride, front tire connects with foot at times if not careful, the cranks flex a lot | | Similar Products Used: | department store cheapo bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This was my first real mountain bike. It was an upgrade from a cheap POS.
I have put this bike through lots of abuse. I ride in eastern terrain (i.e. lots of rocks, roots, mud etc.) Also I have performed small jumps/drops. It has held up well under these conditions. Just be sure to take the reflectors off or nature will do it for you!
The pedals are sturdy and decent for a beginner bike. I just upgraded to Egg Beaters to try out clipless though.
If you are looking for an entry level bike you can't go wrong with this one. A great bike for a person looking to try out mt biking without a huge investment. Probably not the best frame to upgrade with high end components. But you get a bike that rides well, stands up to abuse and is a good deal for your money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Rico
a Cross Country Rider
from Jonesboro, GA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Center USA | | Strengths: | Great frame weight, good shimano components, and overall good parts. Also Bontrager Jones AC tires last a long time. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is a little uncomfortable and the fork might need replacement. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana and K2 Zed 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500, WTB Rocket V saddle, new RockShox Pilot SL fork, Lizard Skins, shimano and bontrager parts all around, and soon to have CaneCreek Thudbuster seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great beginners bike and can easily be upgraded.
Comes stock with good components. Overall great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Beach, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | crystal cove, fullerton loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$419.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bicycles | | Strengths: | Quality Frame, shifts very easily, | | Weaknesses: | Havent seen any weakness yet. Although I popped the front tube on my first ride and then popped the rear tube on my second ride. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I looked at Giants, and Gary Fishers | | Bike Setup: | 2004 model, blue and silver, stock off the floor. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike and I really think I made the right choice. The way the bike has performed has been great. The alivio front and Deore rear derailers have worked very well. Being a bigger guy I was concerned about the front shock being able to stand up the the weight. That was another reason I chose this bike over the Giant was that it used a rock shock judy and it seemed a little better than some of the front shocks on other bikes in the same price range. All in all the combination of the front rock shock and the alivio and deore derailers seemed to be the highest quality components for the money I was willing to spend. I bet the full suspension bikes are really nice but since I am just starting out I didnt want to spend that much $$$. As a beginning mountain biker I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gunnar
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, Wa USA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Titlow Train Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | Light but VERY solid build, Rider position, wheels, gearing. | | Weaknesses: | stock seat hurts the ass | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager bars, tires, seat, seat post, bars and headset. Rock Shox Judy, Deore Derailer and Promax brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike is 2000 times better than the Y26. Its solid, light and takes one hell of a bettering. I would have to say It should come with a thicker ring gear, bash guard, upgraded front shifter and improved rear hub. I plan on atleast a ring gear and crank change to something a bit stronger | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Denville, NJ US of A
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Park, Hackettstown, NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's Reliable, New Jersey | | Strengths: | This bike hits the sweet spot between cost and performance. | | Weaknesses: | None, considering the price. | | Similar Products Used: | None, usless a eary 1980's Fuji Royale road bike qualifies. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for water bottle brackets, tire pump, seat bag, and Garmin E-Trex Venture GPS. | | Bottom Line: | Good bang for the buck. This bike will blow the doors off of any K-mart, Wal-Mart or Toyz-is-Uss POS. Spend the extra $250 and get the bike equivalent of a Toyota, and not a Yugo. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from pa,usa
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any good new one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | sicklers | | Strengths: | nice frame for the price range,looks awsome,bontrager crank,seatpost and handlebars jones ac tires. judys were an upper to. | | Weaknesses: | alivio derailers took a while to shift up and down esspecially front. rims always seem to bend even if it is just like a 1 foot drop | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon, spec hardrock comp | | Bike Setup: | all stock expect for deore front and rear derailers. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is probably the best bike for the 400-500$ price range. get this bike if you are just getting into mountain biking or if you need something decent for cheap.5 dookies for great value and 3 for the derailers and rims | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Greene
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal-N-Spoke | | Strengths: | Handle Bars, strong rims, comfortable grips, Frame is very strong and will take one hell of a beating | | Weaknesses: | Front and back Derailer, 8-speed cassette, seat, brakes tend to get jerky after a while, Disc brakes would really improve this bike. If your a big guy like my self you might want to upgrade your shocks | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4 | | Bottom Line: | One of the best and smoothest hardtail rides you'll ever have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Factory | | Strengths: | New 2004 super light aluminium frame, rockshox judy tt suspension, shimano deore gears, solid tires | | Weaknesses: | pedals, wheels, seat | | Similar Products Used: | barracuda overload | | Bike Setup: | stock setup apart from saracen seat and freeride pedals | | Bottom Line: | It is a very good bike for the money as the frame is ver light and most of the components are of a high quality. The front suspension is good however there isnt much travel on the fork. The wheels although light dont seem to be that strong as I buckled the rear wheel 3 days after I bought the bike. This is a perfect bike for beginners and proffesionals alike although certain components may need upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Central, New Jersey
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deadmans | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Bike | | Strengths: | handlebars, grips, seat, rims, hubs, frame,lightness, CASSETTE, TIRES, spokes, derailluers | | Weaknesses: | suspension fork, headset, crank, bottom bracket, PEDALS, break pads | | Similar Products Used: | iron horse | | Bike Setup: | trek 4500 (trek red/silver)
psylo xc fork
race face crank | | Bottom Line: | this is a good bike for the price but u just gotta ride as things break replace em'. well ne way this bikes been holdin up for me in fact i just won a race with it. Just needs a few upgrades. FOR ME THE ONLY THING THAT REALLY BROKE WAS THE SHOCK. BUT I'D RECCOMEND REPLAING THE HEADSET AND PEDALS. WAIT TILL THE FORK BREAKS THEY AREN'T CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Latham
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, HI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oahu | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Factory | | Strengths: | Price, got it on sale. Weight to price ratio is great. Frame is soild, good for upgrades of equipment. All equipment is great for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Petals, Tires, Headset. Petals are plastic and I keep slipping of with a little moisture. Tires are more for hardpack or road. Neck keeps comming loose, constantly needs to be tightned. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Mongoose, Diamondback. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a red blinky light thing on my seatpost for early morning rides to work | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. I am not too technical of a rider. I'm a new return rider thats over 200lbs and the forks work fine for me. Great bike for beginners looking for a better bike than the Walmart bought one. Upright position takes it easy on the back for long rides. Great frame for upgrading when skill level increases. Bought the bike from a great shop in Hawaii, recommend Bike Shop to everyone.
Value is 5
Overall is 4 only because I tested a Liquid (cant afford it on an E-5 paygrade)
Don't ride hard, Don't ride soft, just ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan Lee
a
from Westport, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Westport Bicycles | | Strengths: | Mostly everything. | | Weaknesses: | Cassette, saddle, brake cables | | Similar Products Used: | Giant MTX (old bike) | | Bike Setup: | FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha Aluminum. Oversized power tubes. Bi-axial downtube. Wishbone monostay. Replaceable derailleur hanger. Disc mount.
FORK: RockShox Judy TT, dual stage coil/elastomer, adjustable preload, 80mm travel
WHEELS:
WHEELS: Matrix 750 rims; Shimano RM40-8 rear, alloy front hub; 14G stainless, black spokes
TIRES: Bontrager Jones AC, 26x49/54
COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Trek ATB
SEATPOST: Bontrager Sport
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Crowbar Sport
STEM: Bontrager Sport, 25°
HEADSET: AHS 1-1/8" semi cartridge, sealed
DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano Alivio
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
CRANKSET: Shimano MC08 42/32/22
CASSETTE: SRAM 5.0 11-32, 8spd
OTHER:
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull
PEDALS: Alloy platform, clipless adaptable
(information gotten off the Trek website) | | Bottom Line: | Its a pretty good bike if you dont go too hard on it. I broke the cassette, and the back brake cables, and beated down the saddle. (The saddle isn't really good) But all and all, it's a very good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Heins
a Weekend Warrior
from Babylon, NY USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Belmont Lake State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Lindy Bike Works | | Strengths: | I have the 2004 model, upgrades include: the bike now comes with the Deore rear derailer, Bontrager Crowbar handle bars, Bontrager seat post, Judy TT Rock Shock which is gray in color matching the '04 paint scheme on the bike.
overall a solid package | | Weaknesses: | bontrager seat ( ouch )
Pedels | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Police bike, Iron Man Pro ( Huffy )
Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | I changed the pedels from stock to a set of odessy with toe cages and straps.
I changed the seat to a TriCo Memoflex.
Bar ends and rear kickstand installed
otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | changes for 2004 include a Shimano deore rear derailer which so far works fine and is better than the old Alivino one last year. Bontrager Jones ACX tires, again fine. Bontrager seat, which on my first ride left me with a sore backside. On my second ride after trying to adjust the seat I was left with that Tingley feeling in my private area after 5 miles, after that the seat went bye bye.
I have ridden for 8 to 10 hours at a time on my Trek Police bike on the standard Trek Saddle with no problems so for me the Bontrager saddle just was not cutting it, for others it may be ok. The Trico seat is from my old Iron Man and for me it is a perfect fit, with the new seat and pedels this bike is a dream so far.I ride mostly on hiking and horse trails or on road. For the money I can't see how you can beat it. Did I mention with the new seat and pedels I love this thing? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jax
a
from NL
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Your Mom | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Trek | | Weaknesses: | after hitting a 50 foot drop onto a flat landing and going through the front forks the frame starts to buckle. | | Similar Products Used: | hardrock | | Bottom Line: | This is a awesome bike unless ure going hardcore and baking off 50 foot plus drops to flat landings and 20 foot high jumps gapping atleast 30 feet landing on a uphill tranny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, TX
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Fort Worth Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Bang for the buck. Technology has come a long way since I bought my last mountain bike in 96. It hard to believe what you get for the money in this one.
My basically stock 15.5 inch bike comes in just below 30 pounds with slimed tires and bottle cage. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. I upgraded before delivery to 515s. But what do you expect for $400.
The stem has a stamp on it that says: Caution: This product not for ... agressive off road riding. I think I'll be replacing that part! | | Similar Products Used: | 96 Scott hadtail that I had for years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus shimano spd pedals. Steerer tube is cut down as low as it will go and the stem is upside down. The top of the handlebar is about .5 inches below the top of the seat at this point. | | Bottom Line: | Great value from a company that is known to stand behind their products.
I'm not a big fan of riser bars, especially on a geometry that places the handlebars so high to begin with. However, that is a personal preference.
Amazing the advances since 96. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Weekend Warrior
from Seoul , South Korea
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame, and wheels and tires, seat | | Weaknesses: | Hubs, crank set, Brakes, 8 speed cass., Front and rear Der. | | Similar Products Used: | First real Mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | XT crank, XT 9speed cass., XT combo shifter/brake, XT front and rear der., M324 pedals, XT hubs with XT Disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a Trek 4400, not sold in the states. Bottom line, nice frame and could be a great bike for entry level riders with some major upgrades. Love to ride now. Prior too, problems with the front der and chain, could never get the adjustments correct. So with about $350 worth of extra parts put on the bike it rides like a dream. Parts here in Korea are alot cheaper than the states. So with about 700 invested in the bike, I will keep it for a long time I think. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from NL Canada
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Frame,Colors,Cranks,Shifters,Tires,Frontforks | | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock, 820, 4100 | | Bottom Line: | One awesome cross country bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from NL, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Arthor James | | Strengths: | TREK, Handlebars, shifters, color, cranks, and frame | | Weaknesses: | nothing really, pedals maybe | | Similar Products Used: | HardRock, 4300, 4100, | | Bottom Line: | A great bike in my opinion for any thing you want to do! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Cordova, Tennessee, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tour de Wolf | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Peddler | | Strengths: | Inexpensive. Decent components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Serfas saddle and Nashbar clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a bike to take on light trails then this is it. If you plan to ride aggressive and aspire to race, you may want to fork out a couple of hundred dollars more and get the 4900 (at least), or better yet the Fuel. This bike was meant for beginners and is very good at that. But as you get more into the sport, the Trek Fuels and Fisher Sugars are a really good upgrade. As long as you use this bike for what it is meant (recreational trail) then you will be very happy. But if you get it and plan to do drops and ride more difficult trails, then you should really consider an upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallmadge, OH
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddie's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | -Great Tires
-Lava Black color is sweet
-Decent Components
-Saddle | | Weaknesses: | -Platform Pedals
-Judy TT | | Similar Products Used: | old Stumpjumper FSR, Liquid, Sugar 292, others | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for headset and 7 degree stem | | Bottom Line: | This is my first real bike, and I love it. There are really no big weak points(except for pedals and the 25 degree stem that came on it). I replaced the stem with a 7 degree Nashbar stem, and I recently ordered a pair of clipless pedals. The fork isn't the greatest but it gets the job done, it's relatively stiff which for me is a good thing. Overall, a great bike for the price and for beginners. 4 chilis cause nothing's perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricardo
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sweetwater/SalmonFalls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$439.00 | | Purchased At: | Campus Bicycle | | Strengths: | The frame, fork, and wheels are bombproof. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are sketchy. Alivio gears are difficult to keep adjusted. I blew my bottom bracket out after two months: Campus Bikes replaced it @ N/C. Frame doesn't come with a chain-guard. The single track trails in this area of N. California are mostly rolling hills, seperated by deep ravines, volcanic, rock strewn gullies, with occasional sharp dropoffs and tight switchbacks. Very technical! Throw in an occasional rattlesnake too. For the money, this bike does well in these conditions; but, then again, it isn't the bike, it's the rider. It isn't worth it to sink money into upgrades; you could spend more cash on XT stuff than you originally paid for the bike, ending up with a heavy bike that has whoop-di-do components. Saving up and buying a Trek 8000 is what I'm doing. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Specialized Stumpjumper, Schwinn something-or-other... | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for pedals w/footbaskets, and a Specialized Telluride saddle: I bent the rails in the stock, Trek ATB in an endo. | | Bottom Line: | It's a cheap bike: you get what you pay for. Although Trek considers it at the top end of their recreational--not mountain--bikes, it's a good entry level bike that works ok on fairly rugged single track. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAH
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Shoal Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheeling Bicycles | | Strengths: | Best overall components for the money compared to other brands. Made in the USA—-all models below the 4500 are foreign-made, as are similar competitor bikes. JudyTT forks are perfect for my 150 lbs. Lifetime warranty on frame. | | Weaknesses: | Some may not like the upright position. Grips don’t stay in place. Plastic pedals are pretty cheap. Occasional problems getting the rear derailleur to shift. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon, Specialized Hardrock Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with Topeak Defender rear fender | | Bottom Line: | I use mine mainly for commuting, with some occasional off-roading. This is an ideal bike at an economical price for such all-around use. For more intense action, you’d probably want a stronger/lighter frame and better components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomislav Miljan
a Weekend Warrior
from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Keindl Sport | | Strengths: | The bike is light, very easy to ride. The frame is durable, very nice painted. | | Weaknesses: | Hmmm, some strange sounds are comming from the fork when riding at the high speed. | | Similar Products Used: | Some noname iron garbage with falcon rear shifter :) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I think that this bike is the best buy in its class. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Morris County
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Martys Reliable | | Strengths: | The Bike is light and easy to handle. The uphiil rides are alot easier after i upgraded from the TREK 820. Uphill is super easy. When going downhill, the bike is relatively easy to control and the shock does take some of the roughness out the ride surprisingly. The bike just feels good overall. The seat could use a little work though. Hurts my butt but I will get over it. | | Weaknesses: | I keep hearing this creeking sound but I think its water in my wheel hub from a muddy ride. The hadle bar is small and find my hands gripping the side of the handle bar. The grips are the greates either. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 820 | | Bike Setup: | I just got it, no upgrades except tire flat kit and mini pump, also have a nite rider | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I reccommend it strongly to a person who wants a decent bike but does not want to go nuts money wise. At least test ride it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Tarpon Springs, FL
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainwheel Drive | | Strengths: | Just started biking again and didn't want to spend the big bucks on a high-end bike. The 4500 is a great value. First off, it's got a great look... the blue/black combo gets lots of attention. The frame is solid and will definitely support the upgrades as I move forward. | | Weaknesses: | Considering the price, there aren't many weaknesses. If any, I'd have to say the pedals (which I scrapped even before I took delivery on the bike), the seat could use a little help, and the Alivio components will likely be replaced before too long. | | Similar Products Used: | I used to ride a Giant Iguana. Prior to this purchase I evauluated the Cannondale F300, Specialized Hardrock, and Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new System 3 pedals w/ clips | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike that do well with future upgrades. I would highly recommend the bike to anyone on a budget looking for a good ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from West Monroe,Louisiana
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Area Federal Refuges | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Source | | Strengths: | Compared to what I had this bike is strong in every area. | | Weaknesses: | I haven't really found any. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for my Terry liberator gel saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike.For the last several years all I had to ride was a discount store bike.I researched several bikes and figured the Trek 4500 was the bike I needed.I ride the streets around the area where I live as well as the dirt roads and trails on several wildlife refuges close to my house.This bike is awesome compared to the junk that I had.It rides smooth on the road as well as in the woods.Since we don't have the hills and rocks that other parts of the country have I'm not sure how it would hold up in real mountain bike country.The area that I ride is mainly smooth dirt roads and trails and the bike does a fantastic job.It was money well spent.In my opinion this bike is a great product for the money spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a Cross Country Rider
from pa
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | SkiDen | | Strengths: | great frame and descent components for the price, looks good | | Weaknesses: | cranks - arms are very weak, rear der - switched it out for and XT for $40 HUGE im provement, tires - both now have cuts in teh sidewall and a know was torn off one | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn frontier | | Bike Setup: | stock except for shimano cranks and an XT rear der... im hopin i can upgrade to some disc's | | Bottom Line: | this is a great beginner bike for the money, ive ridden it where i probably shouldnt have and keep up with jekyll's and higher end hardtails
if u know how to ride a bike and how to do small repairs like der adjust then this bike will give u minimal problems
i love mine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a
from NH
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Strengths: | very strong and light frame and the judy tt fork kicks ass, i dont care what anyone says. | | Weaknesses: | there are a couple weaknesses. the bontrager crap has to go, the bontrager components are absolutly horrible in my opinion (especially the crank arms) the shimano alivio components arnt the greatest either, although they will work, they often dont preform very well in regular conditions, and in harsh conditions (mud, rain, larger drop off's) they are almost useless. | | Similar Products Used: | none that were my own. | | Bike Setup: | everything is stock except i placed the handle bar with an azonic cf-1, and i replaced the front and rear derailluers and crankset with shimano XT components. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for anyone who doesnt have the money for an expensive downhill or XC bike. i abuse this bike horribly on the trail, i ride it like a downhill bike, and the only problems ive ever had with it were caused by the old bontrager and alivio components because the alvio wouldnt shift right and the bontrager crank was just an extremely flexible, god-awfull piece of crap (easily fixed by upgrading to XT). with a few upgrades this bike will be just as good or better than some of the more expensive bikes out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howell Horner
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sope Creek Trial | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | CycleWorks Inc. | | Strengths: | Has a lightweight frame, good fork, and it runs smoothly through some more difficult obsticles. | | Weaknesses: | Very few weaknesses could be found on the bike. I spent only about $400 on the bike, so I guess I got a lot for what I payed for. The bike maybe could be lighter if I went more expensive, and absorb more bumps as you go down trials | | Similar Products Used: | I haven't used any other bikes other than the one I own. | | Bike Setup: | Hard Tail with Rock Shox Judy TT in the front. Shimano gears are throughout the bike. Shimano brakes in the front and back. And the rest of the bike is Trek or Bontrager. | | Bottom Line: | Great purchase for a biker who's budget isn't so well, and you may consider putting a beat on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, NH
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Piches Ski & Sport | | Strengths: | Price... Good Price for a dependable beginner bike. I think it has pretty good components for the price also. | | Weaknesses: | The 'lava black' color is much darker than Treks Image. The image makes the bike look silver but it isn't. I had to go to 2 stores to make sure the bike I ordered was correct.
The pedals are horrible, will be upgrading them soon! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first non-Walmart-type Mountain Bike. I haven't been too hard on it but I trust it will be fine for a weekend warrior such as myself! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Sharp Bicycles (Rocklin CA) | | Strengths: | I have been searching for the last few months for a good entry level bike to screw around with. I think that for the price, this is THE entry level bike.
| | Weaknesses: | Brakes on downhill | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock...for now. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a bike to get started, or to get re-introduced to biking, this is a fantastic bike. I do agree that I sit a little too upright for serious downhill riding, but what do you expect for under $500? These bikes are geared towards Joe Blow Biker, not a serious downhiller. I would recommend this bike to anyone that wants to ride on the cheap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Corey
a Weekend Warrior
from Colbert, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Plano Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Price... can't beat the price considering the mid range shimano components. The brakes are good despite being no name parts. The bike looks sharper than a razor. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, but hey its a sub 1000 dollar bike.
The pedals could suck a golf ball thru a garden hose.
The judy tt shock is a bit stiff even when adjusted to its lightest setting (and I am 190 lbs), but hey its a 80 dollar shock, not a 300 dollar one.
| | Similar Products Used: | First new bike in many years.
Looked at Haro and others.... | | Bike Setup: | Stock: shimano alivio shifters and derailers. Bontrager stem, seatpost, handlebars. Matrix rims with bontrager tires. No name brakes. | | Bottom Line: | If you can't spend more than 700 dollars plus to get a new bike, this is the bike for you.
If you are looking to buy your first mt. bike and not exactly sure if it is something you really want to do and don't have any local friends bike to check out then this is a perfect bike. Don't worry, you'll like mt biking and like the bike.
From the other bikes I looked at around the 400-500 range, this one was much more bang for the buck.
I am happy with the bike as a whole but the pedals gotta go. Not looking to upgrade anything else until it wears out, craps out, and/or breaks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Northport,Al
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sokal Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | Good frame to build up on, crowbar, comfy saddle, LOVE the color (starry night and spanish gold color scheme)Unbeatable price | | Weaknesses: | sucky brakes, weak crankset and overall bad component spec. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F1000 | | Bike Setup: | nothing stock, upgraded to: Shimano LX rear derailleur, deore front, mavic x-139 rims with deore hubs, Avid single digit 5 brakes, Panaracer Fire XC pro tires 2.1", new shimano Octalink Crank, Sun Ringle ZuZu pedals, shimano ES-50 bottom braket, new sram chain, shimano deore cassette 11-32, new deore 9sp shifter pods, avid single digit 5 levers, lizard skins chainstay protector, and the stock rockshox judy TT's(man i love those things)but soon to upgrade to RockShox Duke XC with U-turn. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in a hurry, when my old bike broke i HAD to have another bike and quick, and since i'm 16 money aint easy to come by so i cut grass till i could by a good bike that i could build up gradually and still get to ride instead of saving my money for like a year or so and not riding at all. The bike has dine really well and i would recomend it to anyone, although mine is far from stock i think anyone would enjoy this bike in its stock for, i ride it everyday and even have been known to do some LIGHT freerideing with it(2'-4' drops)All in all its a GREAT BIKE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff,AZ,USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Soldiers Trail and Rock Rabbit | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good value for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Weak front shock. Came with a Rock Shox Jett.(piece of crap!!!!!!!!!) | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the beginner. After the the first year you will be ready to upgrade.Also I dont recomend anyone over 150 lbs. to buy the bike if it hase a Jett on it. It cant handle the weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
b murph
a Cross Country Rider
from buffalo, ny
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | allegany | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | berts bikes | | Weaknesses: | i dont like the fork, there some play in the brushings and i dont trust it with disks (which im adding), and the brakes arent too good on steep downhills | | Similar Products Used: | other rigid cromo trek | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Trek 4500, Hope xc hubs, wtb laserdisc rims & dt spokes (in the mail), avid mechs (in hte mail) | | Bottom Line: | its a pretty good value, but if i have to get another bike ill probably just buy a frame and add my own components. It rides nicely too, but the brakes are iffy on downhills (i've had to bail and watch my bike hit a very large tree, which was pretty cool), you can get it goin on flats and not-so-intense down hill, and it climbs pretty well. The shifters need to be adjusted after about 100 or so trail miles and a bunch of road miles | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Li
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Walt's | | Strengths: | Value. I used to ride my Cannondale 8+ years ago, and decided to try to get back into riding. My main goal was to not spend over $500. Decent parts...rear shifts were surprisingly good on uphills, front shifts took a bit of effort. I was able to lock up both brakes willingly on dry dirt. | | Weaknesses: | The geometry of the bike seemed to have too much of an upright position for aggressive downhilling. Average shifting, braking and weight for the price. The tires could be better -- do they still make Panaracers? | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M50/80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with my old XT clipless pedals. Needs bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Overall a good buy if you don't mind sacrificing downhill stability for an upright riding position. I sort of wish I had bought a better bike, but you get what you pay for :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leigh
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | - nice frame with good paint scheme
- takes abuse - I'm 200 lbs and ride the bike pretty hard regularly without having to repair or replace anything
- crowbar
- brakes
- tires are ok, nothing special, but not as bad as other people say they are. but I will get different tires when the stock Jones AC's wear out.
- pretty light for the price
- good components at a low price
- excellent beginner bike | | Weaknesses: | - the chain broke like the 5th time out. I think it was related to derailleur problems when I first got the bike. LBS adjusted the derailleur and gave me a new chain free. No serious problems since
- sometimes the rear derailleur doesn't shift
- upright geometry makes some climbs more difficult
- stock pedals suck, but I'm still using them without problems - looking to upgrade soon | | Similar Products Used: | demo'd Fisher Marlin and Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for Koobi saddle and Cane Creek bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike and for the price I couldn't ask for anything more. It's a great value and a great bike for beginner mountain bikers. But make sure the deraillers are adjusted properly! Once I had them adjusted by lbs, riding was a much more pleasureable, less frustrating experience.
I feel quite confident that as I improve as a biker, I will be able to affordably upgrade the components to make a very good beginner bike even better. If I ever dedicate myself to become an advanced rider, I'll invest in a more expensive bike. But right now I just ride for fun and this bike has all I need.
Value: 5
Overall: 4 because some components could be better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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