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Submitted by
soot
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Pioneer Loop Marquette Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Frame strength is great. This bike fell off the bake of my car at 65mph. The only damage was a bent seat post. | | Weaknesses: | It depends on your riding preference. I bought this bike for occasional cross country rides, some single tracks, and paved paths. This was a great bike for an all around mountain bike, but now I'm riding more extreme single tracks and reached the pinnacle of this bikes use. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great beginner bike and I've spent the last two summers riding this bike hard and hadn't had any problems except regular wear.
If you want a good all around bike without breaking the bank. This is the bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Racer
from Brockton, MA USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | DW Fields' Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Express | | Strengths: | Gets me from point A to point B. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, bottom bracket, brakes, shifters, stiffness. | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy | | Bike Setup: | 2003 specs, whatever they are. No disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Weight was and still is my main issue. I mostly use mountain bikes for city commuting. The reason I prefer mountain bikes is because road bikes cause a lot of neck strain paying attention to traffic. City travel does require you make a few adjustments such as replace the fatties with some hybrid tires. Even after doing that this bike was just too heavy. It's probably 35 lbs or more. Speed is your friend in traffic. This bike is best suited for downhill mountain biking. It reminds me of an old Huffy I used to have. Bad on the knees.
Previous to this purchase I owned a GT Pantera(it was stolen). Wow night and day. Both were about the same price. They were not built the same though. The Pantera was light and electric in traffic. I never hesitated to push it. The Trek is sluggish and makes wide turns.
Because of the weight and my riding styling, combined with inferior parts the bike is starting to really fall apart. I expect the bottom bracket to grind up soon.
It's almost 5 years old now. That's about $0.34 a day. I guess that's not bad... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek Park (24hrs/Adrenalin Course) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Party | | Strengths: | Strong frame; great climbing geometry; disc brakes; Deore LX components | | Weaknesses: | Heavy hardtail at 33.4lbs; J1 fork tops-out easily + heavy; weak Tektro brake levers; BB and crankset made noises | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo; Giant Anthem | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock | | Bottom Line: | Great for learning to ride mtn bikes. Climbs great, rolls smoothly and can take a trail beating, too. As your skills improve......you will eventually want something lighter, and more responsive. Forget about upgrading the components-the(2006) Kinesis-made frame of the 4900 is so heavy....you are better off buying a new bike. Just outgrow it, and then pass it on to another newcomer. This bike will at LEAST ignite your passion for this sport. A Wal-Mart, or Target bike will NEVER come close to doing that!! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deal
a Cross Country Rider
from Key West, Florida, United States
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop, Key West | | Strengths: | I took delivery of my Trek 4900 in April 2006 ( a rare 24" frame ) While the bike is not feather light, ( though how many mountain rigs really are? ) It's as light as it needs to be, and provides a solid feel. The "Alfa Aluminum" frame is top rate, and well worth building onto.
The 6" Shimano front and rear disc brakes, while often noisy in wet or cold weather, are admirably strong and responsive after being worn in.
Among the bike's best points is the Shimano Deore LX rear deraileur - one of the reasons I chose the 4900. It's pretty high grade for the cost of the bike, and performs smoothly and drama free most of the time.
The Rock Shocks J1 (Judy) front fork doesn't offer a great deal of stiffness, even in it's strongest setting. But it does go about it's business very quietly, and has been zero maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | The 4900's biggest fault would have to be it's Shimano Acera front deraileur. Falls out of tune easily and becomes rather clunky. Best used as little as possible. Being an urban rider primarely, I set the chain on the big ring and keep it there. ( this is where the good Deore LX out back comes in handy.
The stock pedals began to creak early on which I had replaced two times under warranty. With Bontrager pedals the first time - which had the same problem, and then to a set of MTB's which are good enough, but still creak and crackle under heavy acceleration from time to time. Bottom line, just switch out the stock pedals for higher end ones. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Trek 4300 - disc brakes and a better front fork are the main advantages of the 4900 over the 43. | | Bike Setup: | Stock everything, except for MTB pedals and MTB all season tire on the rear to cut rolling resistance on pavement. Still riding on original Bontrager Jones in front.
Bontrager Select post and saddle jacked up high so I can stretch out my legs ( I'm 6'6" ) and Tektro brake levers tuned for very little travel. | | Bottom Line: | The Trek 4900 is a good sturdy rig, fit for daily use. I would not quite consider the bike "entry level" because it's performance and content are considerably better than that. I've ridden it pretty hard with no major failure, so it will surely stand up to anything a casual trail rider could throw at it. The bike will get up and go too if you've got the legs for it.
Overall, the Trek 4900 is a rugged and handsome looking bike with it's classy paint schemes, and no nonsense frame design. Certainly worth every bit of $650. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan, OC/California | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Santiago Cycling | | Strengths: | Durability | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Clipless Pedals, V-Brakes | | Bottom Line: | I'm guessing that at this point few people will be reading reviews on an almost 4 year old bike, but here goes.... I have put over 2000 miles on this bike, traversing some of the best singletrack in Orange County, CA, and it is still going strong. My original intent was to purchase an entry level bike to see if I enjoyed mountain biking. Little did I realize that it was to become an addiction.
I have replaced the Tires, brake pads, chain, and cables, all of which I consider normal wear items. The seat broke last week. All other components are original and still work perfectly. Even the rims are pretty straight and haven't needed to be trued.
The paint has very few scratches in it and looks brand new when I actually clean it.
Now that I have experience with biking, I definitely recommend replacing the stock tires if you are going to ride dirt trails. They have no grip and are suited for pavement. Clipless pedals were my second upgrade, which allowed me to pedal up most hills that were challenging. The front suspension is virtually non-existant. It moves, but is horrible when compared to the shocks on higher end bikes.
At this point I'm in the market for a new bike am planning on going with a full suspension Trek EX8. I just get so beat up on the longer rides with a hardtail that it will be nice to have a bit more cushioning. Now I can honestly say that my 4900 is holding me back from being a better rider, but it definitely served it's purpose.
I would recommend this bike to everyone in the market for an entry-level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathieu
a Cross Country Rider
from Laarne, Belguim
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | downhill, bmx jumps, mud | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | sport bikes wetteren | | Strengths: | it's a very strong and light bike, with this bike i've got my wheelie record: 3km..
A standard totally deore LX bike, but now a xtr | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | - | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Northfield
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sweet Air (in MD) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Connection (in MD) | | Strengths: | -Light frame (for an entry level bike) and is strong
-3" trail (for a 21.5" frame, pretty good)
-Good power transfer to rear wheel | | Weaknesses: | -COMPONENTS. Front der is pretty sad (Shimano Alivio), rear der is decent but could be better.
-Promax v-brakes are cheap
-Seat post: too much play and it's wicked heavy
-24 speeds: I've often wished I had 29. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, random other bikes | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900, Marzocchi MX Pro fork, Avid Single Digit7 v-brakes, Shimano M520 clipless pedals, new der and crank coming soon (SRAM). | | Bottom Line: | I got mine out of season, so I got a great discount on it- MSRP is around $600.
For the money, it's a great bike. The frame is worth building off of.
I recommend at least upgrading the pedals and brakes, especially if you ride XC a lot.
If you're looking for a good bike to make tracks every now-and-then, this is bike is good stock. However, if you ride often, especially XC, you're going to have to change some of the components out.
Keep in mind, this bike is aluminum- it's very rigid, it's not designed to take big hits (as in downhill riding for instance).
Value- 5: it's a good start
Overall- 4: components could be way better | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Modesto CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The snail trail below your moms patch | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Robbys Cycelery in Stockton CA | | Strengths: | It only cost me 350 (new old stock) and was the last year you could get a 17.5 frame (my perfect size)
Its been a decent bike.. Frame is well put together.. Great for freeride.. | | Weaknesses: | Fork is squishy at its hardest setting.. components set is pretty cheazy.. | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Trek 820 w/rock shox mag 21 fork | | Bike Setup: | Chris King classic hubs, Mavic ceramic wheels, cool stop triple compound ceramic pads, salsa flip offs and the rest is bone stock.. | | Bottom Line: | Its a good entry level bike.. Nothing for the extreme or hardcore freeride tho.. If you just like to cruize or hit the trails.. great ride..
but
After riding my Klein Pulse comp that I modded the crap out of from 1997 to 2003 (stolen).. Ive hunted and found another Klein Pulse comp a few weeks ago to build up on and the 4900's goin on blocks.. :) Im using what I can from it and ebaying off the frame.. Its a red/silver 17.5 with less than 10 hours on it TOPS! Very clean and hardly any scratches on it.. If interested.. make offer PentastarTurbo@aol.com
thanks
*Chris | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Deplaris
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Lawn, IL USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Maple Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Orland Park Cyclery | | Strengths: | Takes some major abuse. I ride it for everything minus downhill. Shifts nicely, the acx tires grip superbly. still have them on, though another week and its time to replace them. I use the bike as an everyday commuter at school and ride all weekend long on the trails. | | Weaknesses: | Stiff... For city riding, it sucks. The turning and handling lack... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguna, Specialized Rockhopper, Soon a trek bruiser with plenty of beautiful parts | | Bike Setup: | In the city i ride with all of the original parts, minus grips, now have lock on grips. on order are avid mechical brakes with a set of mavic wheels on shimano xt hubs and a race face crank. A new set of shirters, and i'll be happy for now. | | Bottom Line: | As an entry level bike, this is a great buy for the money. THe Pilot c shock could be something with more travel... and the turning could be a bit better, but over all it is a great bike for the money. For anyone looking to start out, this is your choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Hastings
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$705.00 | | Purchased At: | Lexington Bike Shop | | Strengths: | handling, front suspention travel, brake modulation, unstoppability (if that is a word), front derailler, ACX tires (which i replaced), bike is great for technical rides | | Weaknesses: | dependabilty, rear derailler | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 (awsome bike) | | Bike Setup: | discs, front and rear lights, water bottle, pump, speedo, and Big Kahunah tires | | Bottom Line: | In june, i upgrader my 4300 to the 2004 4900. I really do love this bike. It handles wonderifully and is awsome for almost all conditions. The ACX tires are super grippy, but wear fast. I replaced them w/ Big Kahunah tires which are a front and rear specific tire. They work great in snow and mud. I love this bike, however, I have had a TON of problems with it. It is in the shop once a week for varios problems; chain broke twice, squeeking from front hub, breaks are constantly out of adjustment, bearings in handlebars are shot, problems w/ rear derailler, suspention fork is loose (still haven't figured that out), cables have broken several times, and a few other times too. I would not recomend this bike to someone who rides only ocationally because of the depedability, but for someone who rides all the time (like me), and needs a high performance bike (and doesn't mind if it is in the shop alot) i would recomend it. Also, my front derailler is awsome, i love the feel and have never had a problem, but it is the rear one that is always giving me problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Merlin Ash
a Weekend Warrior
from York, Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dalby Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$970.00 | | Purchased At: | York Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Fast, Stiff, light, strong great XC trail bike | | Weaknesses: | Rubbish for dirt Jumping (Surprisingly), Long stem + Long top tube makes it a little difficult to control sometimes. Original tyres wear down quick. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4000, 4300, 4500, Bruiser. Scott YZ0. Orange Patriot. Elan Slyer. Giant Acid | | Bike Setup: | Deore/LX front + Rear Mechs, Marzocchi MX comps(Beautiful),WTB Motoraptors 2.2 Kevlar | | Bottom Line: | This is great alround trail bike for blasting round hardcore single track, but for streat riding, hardcore free riding and Dirt Jumping its just not strong or maneuverable enough. Which I suppose is obvoius now but I didn't realise when I got it 9 months ago. For any fun loving hardcore XC rider this is the beast for you but if you want to try your hands at dirt jumping and free riding you should look els where, at a Bruiser for instance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, De
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Strong rear derailure, low cost, nice starter MTB. | | Weaknesses: | front derailure. constantly needs to be adjusted. The Judy C is a nice fork but the preload adjuster broke after a few uses (I would suggest you find where its best for you and never move it again...) It should be made of a stronger plastic or metal. | | Similar Products Used: | NA | | Bike Setup: | stock with clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level bike for the money, I bought it to see if I liked being offroad. I'm hooked! Almost 2 years of care free operation, aside from the normal tune ups. Its been through all of the "learning" falls with minimal damage (truing rims and adjusting derailures). If you like the frame it is set up to be upgraded with disk brakes. If you already know you are going to spend lots of time on the bike, invest in a bike with better components because you will outride this one. I am looking to upgrade shifters, go to full suspension, and disk brakes on the next bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Downhiller
from Iceland
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | úlvarsfell | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Metro | | Strengths: | This bike is very good for a beginner i have ride this bike almoast every day now and it have com out good i jump very muthc and that just trash the bike | | Weaknesses: | pedals, pilot c fork, and i have broken the gears | | Similar Products Used: | some crap | | Bike Setup: | i am allways changing the brake pads | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good but if you ride often and do downhill this bike is not for you but good bike and dont jump on this bike
sorry for my spelling i am from iceland and i am 14 years old | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Orion
a Cross Country Rider
from East Hampton, CT
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Airline Trail bushwacks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power, Middletown Ct | | Strengths: | Durable, forgiving, | | Weaknesses: | front derailler (sp?) | | Similar Products Used: | none really | | Bike Setup: | stock, with computer, Shimano clipless pedals, and XT middle chainring. | | Bottom Line: | A good bike to get started, and reasonably priced. I did not look around much, I guess I didn't really know much then. But I am happy, sure I would buy a nicer bike now. But I think to get started it is good to get a feel for how you ride before buying a higher end bike.
I am a pretty big person, 210 pounds, and the bike takes the abuse. It is a little rattly, and a little heavy, but after 1 year of riding, the bike can do more than I can. No complaints, and I would highly recommend this to a new rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charlie hall
a Racer
from kennilworth Il USA.
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | wheels, tires, fork | | Weaknesses: | every thing that I did not mention above. | | Bottom Line: | an ok bike but trek went cheap on things like hubs, cranks, BRAKES. I had to replace my brakes after just 1,000 miles of riding. it cost m over 100 dolars. overal the frame is very stiff and light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremiah Peropat
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, USA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Country Ski and Sport | | Strengths: | The fork is perfect for me, I'm only 235 lbs. Great Geometry. I can use it for rugged trails and street riding with complete comfort. The saddle is one of the best I've ever been on. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals tend to slip when wet. The brakes seem to wear easily with rugged use | | Similar Products Used: | Walmart crap | | Bike Setup: | All stock for now | | Bottom Line: | For the price it is worth every cent. It will take those hard mountain rides and will be just fine for those who are just going to take it easy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Klischies
a Cross Country Rider
from Concepcion Chile
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | forest trails in chile, lot of them everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | sparta | | Strengths: | this is the 2003 disc brake model al bike is very good (for the price) | | Weaknesses: | TIRES!!!!!!! just crap change the front one for maxxi calibos
weight, 1 or 2 kg- would be better
deore disc brakes are to heavy | | Similar Products Used: | gt with xtr group | | Bike Setup: | stock for now,wqant to change to xtr ne brake and shifters set and xtr disk breaks | | Bottom Line: | ok, here is the bottom line, pilot c!!! when I recive th ebike I have think this is not what I pay for. so, like ever, I make a lot of reserch about the fork, and then i found the problem, you have to change the oil from 10w to 5w.
when I have change te oil, manual say add 150cc from the up and 30cc from under. but my surprice, I only extract 20 cc from the fork, yes 20 cc, so that was a big reason of the malfunktion.
thats it, dwnload the manual from sram.com page and make the oil change, your world will be different and you will feel waht a pilot c is :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tteater
a Cross Country Rider
from okc i'm afraid
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | tom steed, in the ancient Wichita Mtns | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycles SW. don't go there, go to NW | | Strengths: | -Judy C fork
-Shimano Deore rear derailleur
-Bontrager Corvair rims
-Bontrager Crowbar handlebars
climbing and technical ability.
| | Weaknesses: | -Shimano Alivio front derailleur
-chain slaps the top of the chainstay
i have had a lot of problems with the drivetrain slipping under a load. the shop i bought it from GAVE UP and told me to take it to another location because they couldn't get it to slip in their parking lot. they actually told me i was "playing games" with them. like i enjoy hauling that bike 10 miles during my lunch break to see their frowning faces. get bent! | | Bike Setup: | 2002 model, purchased in Feb 2002 | | Bottom Line: | this bike can hang with the best. i use it for the road, streets, and the most technical trails you can find. it can do it all. i crush this bike and i race it too. do not go below the 4900 if you think you will be riding a lot.
my bike must be an exception regarding the drivetrain. i have seen many entries dissing the front derailleur, but not the slippage which i suffered for the entire year of 2003, resulting in stitches and bashed knees. this new location (NW store) has been helping me get past that.
the stock saddle will collapse. the small chainring, as it wears, will start sucking your chain in muddy conditions. the chain, cables, brake pads will wear out. but hell, that's normal, right ? why complain.
there is nothing wrong with those stock tires, i put over 500 crushing miles on them (6 mths) and had no complaints.
it's a tad heavy, 30 lbs, but very sturdy. if this new drivetrain holds up, then i'll keep this bike for another two years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Angel
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World (Miami) | | Strengths: | Nice Strong Frame, Not the lightest but suitable for me, Handles well. | | Weaknesses: | Derailleurs constantly need adjusting (freakin' pain in the ass). | | Bike Setup: | Deore rear, Shimano crank, Bontrager wheels, post and saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Been using this bike on trails and has taken a beating.
Other than the time being taken to adjust the derailleurs this bike is a very good buy.
Recommended for begginers that would like a good quality bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ann
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lock 4 Gallatin TN | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Peddlar Nashville TN | | Strengths: | Price, quality frame and fork, Deore rear | | Weaknesses: | Average tires and rim brakes, no clipless pedals. Other bikes in this preice range give you 9 speeds, this one is 8 speed..... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon, Giant Iguana, Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | I ride 1-2 time per week on Middle TN trails. Mostly hardpack (dry), hills, creek crossings, rocky tire shredding climbs, and the occasional launching mogul hill.....this is a good entry level bike. I started out on a 4500, sold it and figured what the hey, I'll replace it with a 4900. Why didn't I start here first?? Don't buy any lower than this level of bike (say, $600.00 range) for beginners. The weight savings in this bike is great over the 4500 in the front fork, enabeling much better climbing and obstacle clearing technique. Trek's 15.5 frame fit me (5'4") like a glove. Get yourself some clipless pedals, and maybe a little faster tires (such as Hutchinson Mosquito) and hit the trails! This bike will tide me over for a while while I save up for that full suspension bike...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay LO
a Weekend Warrior
from Newark,NJ
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any where | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Barn | | Strengths: | This is an excellent bike for the price. It handles well all types of terrain. It is a climbs well, can handle crazy downhills,creeks, rocky trails, roots, single track, just about anything you are able to do. I ride this bicycle hard and it always holds up. The rims and frame are excellent! | | Weaknesses: | Fork is a bit heavy. The stock tires are weak. The lack of clipless peadals. Some parts have a short life. This is normal, since like I said before I ride this bike hard. But upgrading is no problem, since the bike didn't cost me much to begin with. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap stuff! | | Bike Setup: | Avid SD 7 Brakes and levers, XT rear derailer, IRC Trailbear tires, Rock shox Duke XC fork, clipless pedals, Salsa quick release seat clamp and WTB Rocket V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike that is worth upgrading, since the frame is very good. Upgrade as parts wear out. With the right upgrades this bike can rival bikes in the $1000 price range, with a custom bike feel! This bike is so good that I can't find a reason to upgrade to a Dual suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Green
a Cross Country Rider
from Epping Essex
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Epping Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Highway clcles | | Strengths: | Good Frame LX 8 OK | | Weaknesses: | Pilot c Forks and front derailer | | Similar Products Used: | Various | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Hope M4 Discs front and back | | Bottom Line: | Generally I am very pleased overall, Forks could be better also front derailer, trying hard to wear the stock tyres out to justify the change to my wife. For the type of riding I do I have been very pleased and I would recommend the 4900. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S.J.
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoover, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Line, Oak Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$485.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Nice strong frame, brakes, rear deraillier. | | Weaknesses: | Front deraillier is not good, I'm going to change ASAP.
I'm taking off those reflectors as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Factory right now, other than bike pack and pump. | | Bottom Line: | I'm really glad with my choice for first MTB. I was swaying very close to another brand, but I decided to stick with Trek for their reputation, and LBS service. For weekend riders, like me, the Trek 4900 is a great choice, and good price. I know I can upgrade later (and I probably will) and still have a great frame. Take your time in searching the internet and bike shops for the right bike for you, and do what your gut says, because in the end, it's YOUR bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dick Sucker
a Racer
from Mercer Island, Wa, US
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Butt Sex | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Safeway | | Strengths: | Nothing | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | Haro F3 | | Bike Setup: | It has wheels, it has a frame, it has a fork(with suspension), it has 1 piece handlebar, it has disc brakes, it has brake levers, it has brake wires, it has break pads, it has pedals, it has a 3 piece crank, 27 speeds, it has spokes, it has a tube, a seat that sux, it has anti snakebite rims, it has reflectors, a magnet on spokes, a computer, a shifter, and 2 cupholders, and a kickstand | | Bottom Line: | A lot of screws and nuts | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Beattie
a Weekend Warrior
from Batavia, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery | | Strengths: | the rear derailuer. frame and ride. Brakes! | | Weaknesses: | The front derailuer, weight. | | Similar Products Used: | None really. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first real MTB and I am impressed with how it rides, the RD shifts so sweet and sometimes you don't even notice that it changed, beautiful. The front derailuer though is another story, it took me three days to get it adjusted just right, I found a lot of resources on the internet |
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$ 569.99
