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Submitted by
Craig
a Downhiller
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | catamount race way | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | I've had this bike for almost ten years and it still rides strong, only one tune up ever. | | Weaknesses: | shocks are trash. | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn, kona, K2 | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock small self made upgrades | | Bottom Line: | my friend stole this bike and i traded him an old bike for it, i turned out to be quite impressed. i recomend it, steal one if you can, bikes are WAY overpriced. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalamazoo, MI
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Yankee Springs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Breakaway Bicycles | | Strengths: | Tough all around bike | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars and riser. They sit funny (angled up) and can be somewhat uncomfortable after a couple hours. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for rear derailleur and brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in 1999 and rode it constantly (road, XC, some downhill) until 2004. I never replaced anything, I did basic tune-up stuff, but it held up very very well.
I took a little break then in spring 06' I finally had to replace the v-brakes and rear derailleur just from basic wear.
The rims and tires are great, haven't had a flat in the history of the bike and rims have stayed very true.
Seat and handle bar position get a little uncomfortable on longer rides, but all around an awesome bike for the money. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian AKA Elvis AKA The Godfather
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ, usa
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The trails by the local river... for now. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Polished aluminum is nice and won't ship like paint. Frame's thick welds aren't pretty but look and feel strong. Sloping top tube design makes for good standover height esp. when putting a foot down on uneven surfaces.
Shifters are easy to operate but the construction is weak; plastic may be light but I forsee "upgrade or break" in the shift lever's future. Cranks are nice with a decently small big ring, signifying genuine offroad intentions. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox "jett" fork is apparently only adjustible from the bottom via allen screws, which is a pain. Unlike the current model Treks this one doesn't have a fork lockout either. Front end is heavy, but this could be the shock or the steel handlebar I installed... doh! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 and 830 chromoly mtbs, Cannondale mountainbike, offroad fixeged gear bike I built, Specialized Hardrock steel framed mtb. | | Bike Setup: | Stcok except for Bontrager seat, shortened handlebars [steel] i found in my junk parts bin and a nicer stem. Oh yeh, I added clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Got this from an acquaintance of mine who's also into bikes. It was a few years [maybe 5?] old, but never saw dirt, just around towen and sat in storage].
I took off most of the "comfort" part's he'd installed and made it trail-worthy.
Nice mtb, with a good ride, mostly solid parts spec, and decent frame. The polished aluminum may last for years and tho it is by no means a "racey" bike it will take the local trails. It is also not too heavy for occaisional road duty like commuting, one you stiffen up the shock. Replaceable derailier hanger is a nice option which you hope you'll never have to use -- but brings peace of mind. Bike rides well and climbs well, despite the heavier weight -- which is probably due to the parts spec, i.e., fork, etc.
Cheers to Trek for offering the shiny aluminum finish, good tires [Jones rock] and nice cranks which, unlike some cheap bikes, have small enough front gears to be practical for offroad use.
Buy this bike if you are going to be riding offroad, want a hardtail that can handle it, but not cost more than your car. Ride it to the trails, the local woods, the riverside.
I have been riding this thing every day, even to work [my road bike is made at me!] and it holds up grand to everything.
First upgrades to consider: Fork [unless they've changed the spec], clipless pedals, and a proper handlebar stem [the stem it came with was not flat, but tilted up!]. It you can, get a fork with a lockout.
-- Elvis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Cullen, UK
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cullen bin | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheel cycles, Carlisle | | Strengths: | Tough frame with an acceptable fork for the price and year. The wheels stand up to normal XC riding with minimal truing needed. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Jones tyres lack traction on wet surfaces like rocks and roots. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list. | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer, IRC replacement tyres, Oasis saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in the knowledge that you get what you pay for. The Insync fork is basic, but certainly better than no front suspension. The frame is stiff, if heavy and accelerates well. I still have one original wheel after 3 years of continuous riding. This bike is all you need for basic trail riding if you're prepared to upgrade cheaper components as they wear out. If you want to race or jump off large objects, get something else. The bike is heavy and not very manouverable on tight single track. Not enough travel for drops. I've had 3 years of fun, basic XC riding on this bike. It's been good value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chauncy Idiot
a Downhiller
from Chauncyville, Chauncyland
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shunia Mines | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | BaILY's sea and ski | | Strengths: | It has a riser bar and 2 wheels | | Weaknesses: | Everything else | | Similar Products Used: | I have tried only freeride bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock except i have bmx pedals on it | | Bottom Line: | It sux. Maybe for someone who thinks the sidewalk is extreme it would be ok. I like to huck of drops and jump. It is not ok. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHAD RUNION
a Weekend Warrior
from PHX AZ US
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | TRAIL 100 AND 220 UP 40TH ST. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | SW BICYCLES | | Strengths: | NOT SHOCKS THEY SUCK BUT I REALLY LIKE THE FRAME AND THE RIMS THE TIRES ROCK AND ARE STILL KICKING AND I RIDE LIKE EVERY DAY THE SEAT IS GOOD AND YEAH. | | Weaknesses: | THOSE F'IN SHOCKS SUCK THEY FROZE AND IT WAS LIKE 90 OUT SIDE SO I DONT KNOW WHAT ALL THAT WAS ABOUT ALSO THE FRONT AND REAR DERAILERS DONT SHIFT THAT WELL FOR ME | | Similar Products Used: | GT AND RALIGH | | Bike Setup: | ALL STOCK CEPT FOR FOR THE TT'S THAT I PUT ON AND THE LIGHT AND STUFF BUT IM SURE U DONT CARE ABOUT ALL OF THAT | | Bottom Line: | THE 4500 IS A KICK ASS BIKE NO MATTER WHAT U USE IT FOR WETHER DOWN HILL OR RIDDIN IN THE FREAKIN MUD OR RAIN
I TOTALLY RECOMEND THE 4500 TO ANY ONE IT IS A GOOD LADYS BIKE AND ALSO A REAL MANS BIKE ANY ONE WHO RIDES THE 4500 WILL BE IMPRESSED NODOUBT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Kokomo, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Winona, Warsaw IN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Schwinn | | Strengths: | Good overall ride. Components are nice enough that you can ride without having to upgrade immediately | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Didn't like the front tire design. Replaced it with a panaracer pro. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock, ordered a rock shoc suspension post yesterday | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. Great bike for the weekend rider that doesn't have a ton of money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JUNIOR
a Cross Country Rider
from ELGIN/IL/US
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | WHERE EVER THER IS OXYGEN!!!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | MISSION BAY | | Strengths: | I CANT SAY MORE ABOUT THIS BIKE I KNOW THIS IST N UP DATED ALOT BUT MINE IS A 2001 AND FOR THAT PRICE WELL JUST TRY FINDING A BETTER BIKE IT CAN BE UPGRADED WITH EASE | | Weaknesses: | CHEAP ASS ROCK SHOCK BUT WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR 4 BILLS | | Similar Products Used: | YOUR MOM | | Bike Setup: | ANSWER BARS WITH KORE HEAD SET AND RACE FACE CRANKS WITH MAVRIC XL RIMS NEXT IS A NICE ASS FORK!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | WELL OK ITS NOT THE BEST BIKE OUT THERE BUT IF YOU WANT A GOOD START UP BIKE THAT WONT BREAK THE BANK THIS IS FOR YOU I RIDE MINE AT LEAST 100 MILES A WEEK AND STILL HAVENT BROKE ANYTHING THATS NOT EXPECTED SO KEEP ON RIDEING YOU PUSS!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney Guritz
a Downhiller
from Fairbanks
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rosie Creek Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Beaver Sports | | Strengths: | Nice price, smooth shifting, handles well | | Weaknesses: | Problems in rear and front hubs, heavy frame | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Hahana | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Although the Trek 4500 is a good bike for the money, it has given me lots of trouble. I have had to overhaul both hubs, the front hub twice, replacing bearing caps. I think I need a better dirtgaurd on my hubs. The Rockshocks are great, and the bike handles well. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail I can find in the bush | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Sick frame, Gnarly fork, REALLY CHEAP, good brakes and NOTHING BREAKES!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | the pedals cut you when you fall | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | An excellent bike for the money! A must have for the cross country rider who doesn't want to spend more on his bike than on his tv! An excellent fixer upper when the rider gets sicker! I give it an overall rating of 4 Flammin' terds!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
they call me TREE
a Weekend Warrior
from Bonneylake,Wa,USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | backside of elevator @ VictorFalls | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Kulshans :Bellingham,wa. | | Strengths: | price,frame,price,tires,price,grips,still left the kickstand on fer the local kooks to laugh at . | | Weaknesses: | pedals,rearbrakes,hub nasty, the stock stuff will work, but,..you know it makes you want more..see set up.. | | Similar Products Used: | my womans walmart 40+lb dhill nasty | | Bike Setup: | stock so far.. lookin to start breakin parts so i can get better components | | Bottom Line: | easy to bottom out cjett shox..prob one of 1st things to upgrade, if i can square some ducketts.Funnypages would be marzocchi bankroll nasty, but you know im dreamin...JUST lookin fer a cheap "get rid o yer hangbelly" in a fun way? BUy this bike to get yer lungs back fer a year and dig into the idea of what you really want out of a bike.HappyTrails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Skinner
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Collins, Colorado USA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Horsetooth Mtn. Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Lee's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Awesome tires, decent alloy rims and a strong alluminum frame. | | Weaknesses: | Front and rear derailers could shift smoother, soft rear brake and the pedals with clips suck. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a few exception. New racing style seat and System 1 pedals (removed straps and clips). | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the first time user at a great price. Handles some pretty tough trails and the Rock Shock Jett smoothes out the ride. Upgrading this ride will become necessary as you tackle more difficult trails, but the stock bike will get you to plenty of trail riding adventures. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Downhiller
from Nottingham, Uk
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Not a bad frame, once you are used to the weight of it!. Good feel to the bike under a bit of a hammering. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the original componants are poorly made, they had to be replaced! Frame is too heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, Gary fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Some modificactions: Handle bars, Groupset. | | Bottom Line: | Not bad overall, i had to change some of the parts, for instance the handlebars. Swapped the rims for mavics.
I have managed to decrease the weight a little.
Great entry level xc machine for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Indian Trail, NC
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shoppe | | Strengths: | Very good so far for person like myself just taking on the sport. I think this years shocks Roxx Shoxx Jett is an upgrade over last year. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals, upgraded to clip. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Raleigh, GT, and Schwinn. (Similiar Bikes) | | Bike Setup: | Original Equipment Trek 4500 2001, added new clip pedals. | | Bottom Line: | So far the shocks have absorbed well. The EZ fire shifters have been very good, very smooth. Love the bike. Would like it to be a touch lighter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Clunie
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed Y Brenin, Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Bikes, Glasgow | | Strengths: | Cheap, duarable frame with no nonsence components. Rear hub is ok and I'm still using the original transmission after 2.5 years riding. Bontraget Jones tires worked pretty well too. | | Weaknesses: | Front hub is a no name part and needs replacing, toe clip pedals are a mistake and the 4500 is pretty heavy for a hard tail. Its riding position is not great for fast riding and the Insync shock was worse than useless... the bik is still good value, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialised Rockhopper, Carera Fury, Fisher Tesahara | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Judy front, Profile risers, Mavik 517 rims, Avid brake levers, Panaracer Fire XC tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike has lots of cheap components, but that's what I expected from a bike at this price. Having said that, it's frame weighs a hefty 4.5 pounds and that is a tad heavy even for a budget cycle. The Insync forks were useless, rebounding with such painful enthusiasm that it would have preformed better with a rigid fork. Later 4500s have Rockshox Jetts
Most of the componets have lasted well, but the tire rims and hubs were a weak point, as is the riding geometry. First time mountain bikers might be better off buying a better speced bike with no front shocks and upgrading to a decent suspension system later on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Nasser
a Cross Country Rider
from San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Las Peñitas | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Trek dealer | | Strengths: | Frame can really take abuse. great for entry level enthusiasts, nice colors,this bike is worth to be upgraded. Exelent stock tires and average suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Rims are crappy, the seat is cushy in normal trails, but
once you find a bumpy one, get ready for sore city.
not much weaknesses to speak of | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rock hopper 1996 | | Bike Setup: | after 6 months I upgraded seat, Shimano XT 9 speed kit
suspension seatpost, clipless pedals and its been worth
every penny | | Bottom Line: | This is an exellent bike for some ourdoors action, entry
level. once you get the hang of it you will scream for
upgrades, and believe me its worth to invest in this
bike. You can easliy turn this bike into a racing level
monster | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete McGrath
a Weekend Warrior
from Longview, TX
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Loyal Sock, PA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Woolley G's Bike and Fitness | | Strengths: | Came with really good tires. Good price for a light aluminum but... | | Weaknesses: | Because the frame materials are made over seas, the aluminum is not as pure as it is here. Rear frame bent too easily from a three foot drop off. The fork is crappy and deffective. Shifters are extremely hard to clean. I bent the crank arms into the rear of the frame on a fall and they took some nice chunks of paint off. | | Bike Setup: | That Trek was stock, now I have a Trek SingleTrak 930 with Indy shox | | Bottom Line: | If you can't wait, don't buy a cheap aluminum bike. If you can, buy cromo. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line of Wilmington | | Strengths: | The front shox help to minamize the bumps. The seat is comffy for a stock bike. The rapid fire shifters are great and they are easy to use. The frame is a light and durrable, so it is a great bike to upgrade. | | Weaknesses: | No-name front hub is anoying. Rims are cheap and will soon be upgraded. And the pedals are terrible. The front derailleur is also giveing some trouble | | Similar Products Used: | Couple other treks and some Kmart junk. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with shimano M343 clipless pedels | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the money.I'd rather spend the money on upgrading what breaks or gets beat up. I've hit rocks and have taken some hits on this bike and it is no worse for the wear. A great entry level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Mazzei
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville,NC,USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | bent creek trail system | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$439.00 | | Purchased At: | Liberty bicycles | | Strengths: | tires frame durability
| | Weaknesses: | fork derailleurs wheel rims pedals | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock gx (last bike owned) | | Bike Setup: | chris king nothread headset 00 mazorocchi z2 x-fly fork front and rear xtr derailleurs mavic crosslink disc wheelsets hayes disc brakes shimano xtr cranks and bottom brackets shimano 545 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike will handle some very technical trails thanx to the stock Bontrager Jones tires. Great for beginers searching for technical trails, also willing to upgrade to make an even more capable trail bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Dijksman
a Weekend Warrior
from Egham, Surrey, England
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$572.00 | | Purchased At: | action bikes | | Strengths: | light and strong. comes with reasonable suspension fork (nsync excel 535). good bontrager rims and tyres | | Weaknesses: | poor/average front and rear mech. pretty average chainset. | | Bottom Line: | A very strong and light bike with good front suspension, but has pretty poor standard front and rear mech and chainset | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick
a
from cincinnati, ohio, usa
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ceasar's creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Bishops Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, shifting, frame. This bike can take some abuse! | | Weaknesses: | hubs | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Mavic wheels and Shimano Deore hubs. Suspension seat post. | | Bottom Line: | The stock hubs are Shimano something-or-other. After 2nd ride, rear hub body fell apart. Replaced it, rode another few rides, and fried the rear bearings on the opposite side. Hub was shot. Ended up replacing the hubs and wheels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fire Bike 5
a Cross Country Rider
from Forest
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Water Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited | | Strengths: | Every inch of the bike kicks trail | | Weaknesses: | Shifts could be a little smoother | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 800 | | Bike Setup: | PANARACER FIRE XC PRO 1.8 Tires, Profile Fiber XC handlebar, and its not done yet | | Bottom Line: | Bike has lasted my rage. Thrown enough mud to get my thumbs up. This is a great budget bike. The bike is a great base to create a trail thrashing machine. The bike has takn every thing I thrown at it and dealt with it with avengence. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Clements
a Racer
from Hobart, Tasmania
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Belbins Rd, Cambridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Tassie Cycles | | Strengths: | Fairly light, Good shifting, Fork (Sync excell) is ok?
looks cool (Red and copper colour). | | Weaknesses: | Fork is not that good, but it works, bottom bracket is stuffed (Lp 27). freewheel body makes grinding noises. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, 1999, Giant ATX 850, | | Bike Setup: | Tomac bar ends, Kool stop pads, Wellgo clipless pedels, Syncros kevlar xc tyres(By panaracer) | | Bottom Line: | Good for a starter bike, I use it for xc racing and it does the job, im saving for a new one cos overall it is not strong enough for thrashing,
buy it if you are not a racer but a rec rider(Free rider)
Good for the enthusiest.
Whatch that bottom bracket and freewheel!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jacob bentley
a Downhiller
from Midland,Mi,USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Yankee Springs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | The Stable | | Strengths: | seat, frame, tires and rims are good,price to quality, shifters, and shock is ok. | | Weaknesses: | reflectors on pedals came off first couple rides, difficult shifting sometimes-really got to hold it over, pedals are ok, shock is ok | | Bike Setup: | stock. jett shock. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I love it. The reflectors on the pedals broke off on the first couple of rides. But its a great bike for the money. Tires work well in sand or mud or whatever. Nice handeling and easy to manuever.Shifters dont shift as smoothly as i would like them too. You have to hold it for a couple seconds to get the front derailuer in 3. Great bike for a novice rider or a little experienced.But,very happy with this bike for the most part. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince Rupert BC Canada EH
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Strengths: | looks good(Silver one), good starter bike. My first bike in 10 years. Takes a beating. Tires are all right | | Weaknesses: | Jett, can't adjust it, the pedals, broke the left one, front derailer doesn't want to shift some times, seat, too thin, a little heavy. | | Bike Setup: | riser bar, new seat, suspension seat post, front fender. | | Bottom Line: | It's a good starter bike, I'm glad that I got it, but now I need a better bike for the riding that I do. I'm looking for a lighter bike, adjustable fork, ect. Might go with a full suspension or might stay with hardtails. I can beat my brothers rocky mountain vapour. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin Montanti
a Weekend Warrior
from Staten Island, NY
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Woods located in Southampton, LI | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Affordable, Lightweight, Comfortable, colors, and tires | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Pedals with cages. | | Similar Products Used: | It is almost exactly the same as the new Specialized HARDROCK | | Bike Setup: | Stock. All i did was take the ages off the pedals and install a beverage holder. | | Bottom Line: | At a price like this, you can't go wrong. Many riders like me won't need anything more than this. It's extremely light and is built with a tough frame.The gearing is excellent. The bike always feels quick and smooth and the shocks perform well. The aluminum, with black and red lettering is beautiful. I'm completely satisfied with this purchase.
If you're looking for a decent bike, without spending a fortune, this is the bike for you.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rab
a Downhiller
from Rancho Santa Margarita
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong Aluminum frame, good quality parts & tires. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals with clips, brake pads, derailleurs. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper A1 Pro FS. | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades includes saddle, Derailleurs, brake pads, | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, takes a lot of beating from rough trails but still perform like a Pro. Trek made an excellent bike for the price. Rock Shox Jett performed well but if you can try to upgrade to Rock Shox Judy. Great overall bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | SFU Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The 4500 is the best overall starter bike that I could find. For the cost you won't find any better.
Frame, Tires, Trigger shifts, Rims, Seat and Price | | Weaknesses: | Jett Rock Shox, Stock pedals, total weight and Rear brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Mountain, Norco, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Brake pad and pedal upgrade | | Bottom Line: | Great overall bike. For the price paid you can go wrong. Good for most all types of riding. The frame will last along time and the bike is worth upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike b
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatoon, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Diefenbaker Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | seat
light frame
shinamo trigger gear shift
cost
tires
grips | | Weaknesses: | jett rock shox
handle bars | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain, Norco. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great starter bike at a super price ($650). I would highly recommend this bike if you are just starting out, like me. The only thing I would adjust or change on this bike would be replacing the handlebars to a lighter style and replacing the Jett Rock Shox to a Judy. I wouldn't spend alot of money upgrading this bike to a high end shock. Its just not worth it. So, if your just starting out, I would definately recommend this bike to you for your first year or two. I ride this bad boy to and fro work (long way) and it is holding up great. I love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Price, Strong and Light Aluminum frame, Alloy Rims, Bontrager Jones tires, Rock Shox Jett 65mm fork, Shimano components, comfortable Oasis saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Total weight a bit heavy (relative), rear tire brakes could be stronger, quick-release hub system could be better. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first serious bike in 8 years (after almost-fatal harcore BMX and Freestyling years), and I can't stop riding it. Every opportunity I have, I am on it, going to some nearby trails or just riding around the neighborhood. I bought a pair of Millenia Comfort tires (26 x 1.95") to use in the city, and it rides so nice, very responsive.
If you're looking to invest in a good bike for years to come, and want to open the doors to some mountain biking experience, then this is the bike to buy! Don't buy the model 6000, since it uses the same frame (just different color), and actually has a less quality fork. The other components are unecessary for a bike in this price range, and components can be upgraded later on anyhow.
For the money, I don't think you can find a better bike. I am one happy, satisfied customer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Skinner
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Morsetooth Mtn. Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Awesome tires, great rims, seat and a strong lightweight frame. | | Weaknesses: | Front and rear derailers could shift smoother, soft rear brake and the pedals with clips suck. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the first time user at a great price. Handles some pretty tough trails and the Rock Shock Jett smoothes out the ride. Upgrading this ride will become necessary as you tackle more difficult trails, but the stock bike will get you to plenty of trail riding adventures. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dyrk
a Weekend Warrior
from Tokyo Japan
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | mean tires, good seat | | Weaknesses: | mean pedal, de-railers | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike for starters, will handle some mean abuse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Scotia,Mt. Nittany | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This is my first off road bike and I think it's great. I've taken a few falls and it still keeps truckin'. The front suspension is a lifesaver and it is really lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | The rear brakes are a little soft and they have worn in no time. The pedals came with clips which I promptly removed. Still a good bike for the money. | | Bike Setup: | 18" frame w/ Jett Rock Shox. Trek mileage 'puter too. | | Bottom Line: | You will not be disapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from libertyville Il
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever I can ride | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | good frame
great value | | Weaknesses: | shock freezes up in cold weather | | Similar Products Used: | bridgestone MB-3 (previous bike)
bridgestone | | Bike Setup: | stock except for clipless pedals and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | great bike
would be even better with a fork up grade | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bukit Timah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Frame | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The ideal bike for 1st timers. It's also a good aluminium frame to upgrade upon. So far my bike has survived 1 year of trails. Still in good shape, nothing broken. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Shaw
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Palo Duro Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The aluminum frame rocks. It came stock with awesome tires and I dig the grips and shifters. | | Weaknesses: | While the pedals will take a hell of a beating, they take a hell of a chunk out of my shins. | | Similar Products Used: | It's my first. | | Bike Setup: | It's pretty stock right now. I've only recently found the wonderful world of upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does exactly what I want it to. It's got all the components and features to be and aggressive trail killer at a price I could afford. I would highly recomend this bike to others fairly new to the sport but know that they will tackle all the tough trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan
a Weekend Warrior
from Durban, South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Assagy | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Tires, Frame, Seat | | Weaknesses: |
Breaks a bit soft, B/B, Crank | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 830, Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: |
Standard 4500 with STXRC crank and Break Booster | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike for its price. I am a large rider (96kg) and the breaks felt very soft. I found that the frame flexes quite alot on the larger bikes. This problem is solved by a break booster. One problem with this bike is the B/B and the Acera Crank. The B/B has some significant play in it. I have found this problem in 3 4500 bikes one of which was a year 2000 model. Trek uses a no name brand B/B on not very great quality, but are happy to replace it is the part is defective. The Acera crank realy sucks. I killed it in under 100 Km of soft riding. My brother also had to replace his. Maby we are big but a crank should last longer than 100km. Overall this is good value for money and the fram is a good base to upgrade (later) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Lagrange, Ga
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mcintosh Res. Carroll County | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame, rims, tires, seat. | | Weaknesses: |
Gears not smooth as I would like. Pedals w/clips suck. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 820 and 830 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock, 100mm rock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Very good all around for pavement and dirt. Good on tough dirt hills. Great power and coasts very well. | | Overall Rating: |
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