|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
James O
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton Alberta
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhills in Banff | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame weight, rear derailleur, cranks, tires, PRICE! | | Weaknesses: | FORK SUXS!! Front derailleur, shifters, front hub | | Similar Products Used: | Kona LavaDome, Specialized rockhopper, Rocky Cardiac | | Bike Setup: | Sun Ryno lites w/ deore hubs, 2001 RS psylo XC, VP clipless | | Bottom Line: | Great solid bike for the money! The fork is terrible. If it's not above 25 degrees, forget it!! Front shifts are sometimes harsh. Brakes aren't bad in dry weather but in wet there useless! Rims weren't bad but they were heavy. Alivio rear isn't bad at all. Frame though is awesome. Stiff and fairly light. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RaZoR
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Horseshoe Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | Awesome components, super strong and light frame, Awesome looking. IT JUST ROCKS! Plus, i have never had a flat in 3 years! | | Weaknesses: | The front fork is ok for beginners, but after a while, u need to get a higher end shock. The stock wheels may need to be replaced, mine were kind of defective. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Trek 4500, Marzzochi Bomber front fork, Specialized computer. the rest is stock (but its great!) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best! if your a beginner dont look at anything else.. BUY TREK! this bike has givin me 3 good years of service. shoot, im out performing front and rear shock riders! the only problem was the wheels, but thats easily fixed. Go buy it now! $400 is a great price. i recomend this baby to any new beginner. if you are pro.. i would still go for a TREK. Buy it and enjoy! life doesn't get much better. once you have been on a 4500, you will never get off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Gallimore
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | almost anything in annadel cuz its close 2 my house | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | daves bike sport | | Strengths: | this bike kicks much buttocks. frame is durable as all hell, i biffed it so hard, the thing landed in a tree after skipping over rocks and it didnt mess up anything except give the bike a few character scrapes. and i cracked my helmet into 3 seperate pieces. tough ass bike. kinda light too. decent brakes, though i want to change to disc soon. i personally think the shocks work fine, i'll just use them till they break. | | Weaknesses: | probably the most annoying thing on this bike that has been the most reoccuring is the front derailleur being a dildo and not shifting when u want it to shift. other than that, i've used all of the stock components (i did buy a new seat & seatpost) up until recently, and now they are pretty worn, and i'm going to dump money into new crankarms, chainrings, cassette, chain and derailleur. | | Bike Setup: | stock minus the seatpost, seat and rubber. | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks, i like it cuz it will take my 200lb self and propel me really fast downhill, and as long as i dont shift too much and get pissed at the shifter, it works pretty good on uphill too. and it seems to like mud lots. well, maybe thats me, but a great first mountain bike, and very upgradeable on a solid frame. must say the shifter does suck though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chauncey
a Cross Country Rider
from az
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | the frame was awsome, perfect for begginers, | | Weaknesses: | the shocks sucked, i changed them fast, the shifting wasn't the best don't get me wrong though they worked just fine for me
| | Similar Products Used: | notta | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for seat post, seat, and forks | | Bottom Line: | great bike, my first bike now i have no bike cause someone jacked it from me so i am lookin for a new bike. so buy this bike it is a good first bike had a couple good crashes and only the pedal broke. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Colora, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Time | | Strengths: | Frame, Frame, Frame...Climbs awesome. Srong Bike. | | Weaknesses: | Weak chain and rear cassette | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano IG chain, new cassette and 545 clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Strong frame. Wiped out bad enough to have leaves between rim and tire. Bike only received a few scratches. (Can't say the same for myself!!) Light bike for the money. Great beginner bike to see if your into biking, but good enough to let you be competitive. Buy it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Detroit
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Pointe Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame, tires, most of the components | | Weaknesses: | The rims suck balls, it's a bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassajarra | | Bike Setup: | Mavic rims, Nanoraptor tires, SPD pedals, FS 200 saddle, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This is a great beggining bike. Upgrade a lttle and it gets pretty sweet and lighter. It is very durable, i recently wiped out and broke my arm, the bike only had a scratch and the barend.I've had it for two and a half years and all it's needed was a tune up in the spring and my upgrades. Buy it if you are beginning and beat up your bikes a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, NY
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Quality frame. I was surprised at how long the orginal components have lasted. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Schwin Moab | | Bike Setup: | I now have some Mustang Rims with Velociraptors, Kore handlebar, Body Geometry seat and SPD Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I am very impressed with the quality that Trek puts into their frames. I purchased this bike because I wasn't sure if I would like the sport or not, only to become addicted to the sport. I have taken this 'recreational' bike on some of the nastiest trails in NJ/NY and have never had any real problems. Sure I've taco'd a rim, scrapped a few derailers, etc. etc. But bottom line...this 500 dollar bike has allowed me to ride with my group that has 2500+ bikes.
I will be purchasing a new Trek during the offseason, but I can not begin to mention how happy I have been with this bike so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TheWeb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Royal National Park - Various | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good Frame, able to be upgraded. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components are poor. | | Bike Setup: | Very little is now stock, Marzochi Z1 X-Fly, time atac, Zac Rims, deore front hub, deore hollowtch crankset. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up post to previous ones.
I have had this bike for about a year now and continue to love riding on this bike. Over the year I have slowly broken and had to replace various bits however a couple of weeks ago I was hit by a car, luckily escaping with only very minor scraps but bike was busted. After the guy driving coughed up some cash I took the opportunity to repair the bike with a number of upgrades but in particular the front shock.
I admit a Z1 X-fly on a Trek 4500 is a bit overkill (at normal retail prices more than the bike in total is worth) but as I only had to pay $150 US after his contribution to a new fork I thought what the heck.
Well this has transformed the bike and has brought the best out of what I already thought was a good frame. It now eats things that use to cause me great concern, it steers with confidence and never feels like it is going to washout.
This simply confirms my previous thoughts, and that of many other reviewers that this bike is a great starter kit, if you get hook on riding, like I did you have not done your money, you can simply upgrade various components over time and turn this into an all round performer.
For a $400 -$500 US bike you can not go wrong. Check out the Trek website, you will see if you care to look that the frame geometry for this bike is almost identical to all the higher end hardtails in the range, only a little heavier. Not bad unless you want to race competitvely and you would not be buying this bike in that case.
I think this remains a good option for those just getting into or getting serious about riding and I expect to keep riding this bike for a long time to come.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Him of the peck clan
a Cross Country Rider
from kentucky
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | blue trail,cherokee,seneca park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport | | Strengths: | Very light frame, and good shox. Also the stock grips are really sticky. | | Weaknesses: | bad derailler and takes to long to switch gears. | | Similar Products Used: | stalker fs, trek 4300,gary fisher tassajra | | Bike Setup: | stock except for bar ends, panaracer fire xc 2.1 wheels,easton monkey bar handle bars. | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike and is good for beginners and intermeddiate bikers. Good value and could be a very good competion bike if upgraded. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew pearker
a Weekend Warrior
from whitby, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | durham forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$459.00 | | Purchased At: | fATHOM | | Strengths: | nice lite frame, good handlebars, nice tires, okay shocks. | | Weaknesses: | components. this bike would be better if it came with lx/deor components and better pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized Hard Rock comp | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | this is a good strong bike that i really like riding. It is a good bike for people who wanna get into mountain biking or are looking for a strong frame. As you get more into biking you will probably want to upgrade yor components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
timmy robb
a Weekend Warrior
from richmond va usa
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bell island | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | agges | | Strengths: | it sucks | | Weaknesses: | it sucks again | | Similar Products Used: | taco | | Bike Setup: | wheels and handlebars | | Bottom Line: | this bike ..... i have a smalll taco | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jacob bentley
a Downhiller
from midland, mi
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | yankee springs in grand rapids MI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | The Stable | | Strengths: | nice seat, good tires, nice frame, nice looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | reflectors on pedals came off very easily while riding. sometimes doesnt shift all the way. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike. im very happy with it. now that ive had it for a year though, i want something better. but, i am happy with it and it has done well. a great starter bike. overall very pleased. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Laure/\/s H
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoorn, NH, Holland
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Schoorl, NH, Holland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Esprit Sport - American Bike Shop, Hoorn, NH | | Strengths: | Its not a verry expensive bike, but the quality is high! Its verry strong, and you can ride verry hard with it. The suspension works also verry good. | | Weaknesses: | I don`t know it right now. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first on,e I`m just 14 years old........ | | Bottom Line: | If you are just a biginner, I think this is the right bike for you. Its really fun to ride throught the dunes in Holland. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a
from Lynchburg, VA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Blackwater Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited | | Strengths: | Light Frame and Good price | | Weaknesses: | Lower end Shimano crank set. | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Giant with rachet shift no suspension. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for those getting into MTBiking. Great price and Trek quality. This bike is great for building riding skills and testing your ability if you are on a budget. The drivetrain could be better and shifting is not always smooth but you can upgrade the parts on this bike or sell it for $100 less then what you payed for it and get a better bike. You just cant go wrong with this bike if just getting into the sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Watts
a Racer
from Lufkin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Trails: Martin's Creek; Tyler State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Simpson's Adventure Sports, Tyler, TX | | Bottom Line: | This is a suppliment to the review I did a few months ago. Upgrading the bike some definitely improves the quality of the ride, and brings out the best in the rider. THAT's what it's all about. I upgraded the stock Jett shock to a Sid by Rock Shox, upgraded the rims to more rigid ones, and installed knobby tires. I'm more confident on downhills now and the bike's a freaking missile! Climbs really well now that I know more about what I'm doing and am in better shape. I've taken some hard spills in adventure races, ridden it through 3' deep water and it keeps on truckin! This bike is so tough I love it. Best money I've ever spent. Definitely scores a full plate of Chili Peppers in all categories! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mirek Kohout
a Weekend Warrior
from Puyallup, WA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Capital Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycle Sports, Tacoma, WA | | Strengths: | Awesome frame geometry, quality entry-level Shimano components, smooth and consistent Shimano derailleurs, cool "Ball-Burnished" chrome color, value | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, brake pads seem to wear rapidly | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Response, Diamondback Topanga, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Shimamo Altus crank, Altus/Alivio 24-speed shifting, Shimano Easy-Fire shifters,Rock Shox Jett forks with 65mm travel, Matrix 750 double-walled rims and Bontrager Jones tires (all came stock) | | Bottom Line: | I'm actually reviewing a 2001 Trek 4500. I bought this bike after months of trials and searching, which is difficult as a beginner. I chose this bike because of the price and availability for upgrade. The frame is awesome and light, the shimano components are basic, but great for a beginner. They can easily be upgraded as skill level/$$ income increases. I ride with very experienced Mt. bikers, and the Trek holds up well. Its very good on climbs, but I've invested in toe cages to help with upstoke when climbing hills. On downhill its a friggin' bullet.
Other reviews on this bike (2000) had some trouble with the derailleurs, but not me. I've never had trouble finding gears when I'm in deep sh*t. The Rock Shox are not giving me any trouble either, but keep in mind I am a beginner. They may have to be upgraded down the road, but not anytime soon. I ride uphill and downhill, on mild to moderate technical singletrack, and I am stoked about this investment. The $$ spent has given me a reliable and rugged steed to increase my experience level. The awesome thing is I could upgrade this bike easily as I get better.
If your a beginner, BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!! If you're very experienced, you might want to spend more and buy a Specialized Rockhopper or something, because you'll outgrow the componentry quick. But for less than $400, beginners like me will love this bike without dropping too much $$ on a sport you've never tried yet.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TheWeb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Royal National Park - Various | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Solid starting point, geometry is excellent and frame so far has shown it can take some punishment. | | Weaknesses: | shocks are very low end, easily upgraded but hard to justify best part of 50% of bikes price again on a decent pair of shocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Similar bikes tested when buying. | | Bike Setup: | Time pedals, bar ends, semi slicks for commuting. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up post.
Bike continues to perform strongly, used mostly for commuting on roads and paths but has now seen some serious fire trail and singletrack action and comes up shining. I am sure this would improve even further once I change out the front fork.
Took the bike to the Thredbo in the Aussie ski field and did some reasonable technical and steep singletrack riding, the bike took some major punishment with me both in and flying out of the saddle but everthing just kept on working the way it was intended even though this was stretching it design perameters a little.
Still sticking with my previous comments that the bike will provide most people with a solid base as is or can be upgraded over time to match it with some higher priced Treks or similar products as riding skills and requirement desire.
The 4500 keeps on keeping on and still deserves a 5 chilli rating, hard to go wrong at this price as it will allow you to choose what parts you upgrade over time rather than paying upfront for many parts which will provide only very marginal benifits over some of the low end components on this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derek
a Weekend Warrior
from corona, CA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Skyline to Garretson via Main Divide | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Circle City Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great frame, lots 'o stopping power, Jett's great for a $75 shock. Got a great granny gear, and the bike feels really agile yet never twitchy coming down the steeps/fasts. Confidence inspiring. Pretty light by my standards. Frame makes the bike seem worthy of upgrading components. OUTSTANDING VALUE !!!! Tires stuck very well for stock. Rims/tires seem very cool considering the price of this Trek. | | Weaknesses: | Geometry doesn't lend itself to assuming the racer position (important during the occasional 25m commute to work.) Spokes must have stretched, cuz I got some music down there. Tires wore really fast for stock. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Timberline bought in '93. Added Mag20, LX stuff, Dart 2.2 SC front/Conti Comp Pro 1 rear and brake boosters to that heavy cromo frame. Ended up way dialed-in, but 33 lbs :-( Then it got stolen... | | Bike Setup: | Velociraptors front and rear. Ritchey clipless. Specialized comp. Picked up a pair of 1.25" slicks for the commute, untried. | | Bottom Line: | I'm sure most of my happiness is due to being out of the sport for five years. I just can't believe this Trek is so right-on right out of the box. Its lightness is such a relief after the GT journey. Although the shock is great for the $$, I probably will upgrade this year. Semi-anxious for the components to peter out so I can replace them with LX, but as-speched, the 'groupo' is fully functional. Maybe not cool, but squarely aimed at giving a good ride for a good price. A longer, lower stem would get my tuck back, but I'm afraid to jinx the great feel in the twisties. If you know someone who's looking for their first real attempt at a MTB, steer them in the 4500's direction. I spent a grand to get the GT where this starts, and this thing's several pounds lighter with stock components. Now I'm ready for the Skyline to Indian Truck Trail via Main Divide (well, maybe almost ready...) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from abbotsford
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | shore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | caps bikes | | Strengths: | nice frame, alright brakes, nice seat | | Weaknesses: | the crankset bent after a 4-5 foot drop and dont get me started on the suspension. ive had the bike for not even 4 months and ive sent the shocks into rock shox once already because i blew up the insides. these shocks suck my cock and id rather be riding rst's than being stuck with these piles of sh*t. it took them a month to send me a new pair and it was supposed to take a week and a half before id get them. | | Similar Products Used: | shocks-regular forks with no travel
frame-trek 830 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good deal but the shocks are the worst things a biker could get. dont buy any products from rock shox or support them in any way | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Terre Haute, IN
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Linton | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | All around great bike!
Just about indestructible
Price
Looks | | Weaknesses: | Weight
Cheaper components | | Similar Products Used: | GT Outpost, Giant low-end bikes | | Bike Setup: | Polished Trek 4500, Time ATAC pedals, Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle, plus some other luxuries | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. The price is pretty good and it can hold up to a lot. It fell off the back of my car at 50 mph and only thing hurt was the seat and bar ends! The components are all pretty good, though mostly low-end product line stuff. This bike suits beginning riders very well. After a while, I've started to notice that it weighs more than a lot of other bikes and I've put it on a "diet" trying to shave weight everywhere I can. If you're just getting into cycling and are looking for a good bike at a good price, go for the 4500. If you're a little more experienced, check out some of Trek's higher-end bikes. I give it lots of flamin' turds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kent
a Weekend Warrior
from Youngstown, OH
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to pick just one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$377.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sales in Boardman, OH | | Strengths: | Note: This review is for a 2001 Trek 4500
Great frame, sturdy, pretty solid components
rims are super solid (double walled, an upgrade from 2000)
Rock Shox Jett does pretty well by me
| | Weaknesses: | A few setup problems that may or may not be specific to me (spokes needed a helping of loctite because they kept getting a bit loose. and brakes, while they work great and I mean great, have been a bit tricky and out of alignment every now and again - but aside from disc brakes, we all go through that.) | | Similar Products Used: | Old Diamondback (96 Outlook) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with clips | | Bottom Line: | I tell you what, after shopping around for a $400 and under bike that can handle some pretty decent singletrack, I went with the 2001 Trek 4500. After a few rides I had to have the spokes treated with lock-tite but that has been about it. The thing rides great and over the last 2 weeks I finally got it out in to some singletrack and the bike performed perfectly. It belongs on the trails in my opinion but it certainly does just fine on the rails/trails with my wife. Only thing, the aggressive Bontrager tires buzz abit on pavement because I am too lazy to change the tires for semi slicks. Regardless, if you are looking for a solid mid-level mtb that can handle most situations and not break the bank, take a hard look at the 4500, I'm glad I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Record
a Cross Country Rider
from Groton, Ct.
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Strong but very light frame for the abuse it will take, great colors, killer geometry, and very responsive on command. | | Weaknesses: | The stock pedals suck throw them away, besides that no complaints !. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800, 820, GT Pantera. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great general purpose bike for the price, it's light weight makes it great for XC as it accelarates well and carves corners better than most rides; and on top of that I have taken this bike over some substantial dropoffs and jumps. Buy it, ride it and ride hard !, this bike will be with you through it all !. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbison, SC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Some crappy shop north of Boston | | Strengths: | Neutral balance and overall feel, frame | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850, Trek 4000, Canondale, Univega something, ProFlex | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great easy to use bike. It's got a great geometry for me, good balance and feel to it. Components are easy to use. My only complaint is the tires. I got too much wheelspin going uphill on rocky trails. I've been riding bikes for years and got out of it for a while. This bike made it easy to re-learn my balance and rhythm. I'll definitely be upgrading the components and shock as I'm sure they'll annoy me more and more. (Sloppy bad front derailler and a shock that doesn't work for me.)
Great bike for any rider, easy to upgrade and worthwhile to do so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn, CA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Auburn State Recreation Area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$369.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Emporium - Auburn CA | | Strengths: | Better than basic components for recreational rider, confident feel, even on rough stuff. | | Weaknesses: | Pretty basic seat, no kickstand | | Similar Products Used: | '96 Diamondback Outlook | | Bike Setup: | Stock from dealer | | Bottom Line: | Great value - good components for the next step up for a recreational rider. It would be an outstanding first bike as well. This is a step up for me from the entry-level Diamondback Outlook (when they were better-built) and what a difference. It has a competent, solid feel, even on rough trail. Extra gears are a plus for bigger folks, the first is a real stump-puller - couldn't believe what I can get up now! Brakes are killer, anything that can lock up wheels going downhill with me on it is impressive. Class bike, great price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pieter Morgan
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mapingupwe ( there are no trails here, you make your own) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Siphiwe's Bycycles | | Strengths: | This Bike is staunch, it takes a beating it looks cool | | Weaknesses: | the front fork, sync elixer 565 | | Similar Products Used: | Ravelin rx10 target | | Bike Setup: | 2001 trek 4500 with bar ends, cat eye computer, pump, vuealta rims, topeak saddle bag | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks ass down here in africa, in the wild where there are savage animals, huge drop offs, and thorns 4 inches long, no sissy ass trails with vending machines every 100 meteres, this bike also stood up to a leopard attack so it deserves all 5 fiery turds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Watts
a Racer
from Lufkin
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Martin Creek, Henderson, TX | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$369.00 | | Purchased At: | Simpson's Adventure Sports, Tyler, TX | | Strengths: | Affordability, Durability, Very good performance for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Fit and finish of the bike is not the best. But hey, in adventure racing who needs a slick paint job? | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab GSX; TREK 4900. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock. The bike came with a water bottle and toe clips. I added a split saddle, underseat pack with tire repair kit, clip-on pump, and the dealer green-slimed the tires for me. No high performance valves, I am into simplifying the gadgetry. | | Bottom Line: | I've got lots of money invested in my Bianchi road bike so big bucks was not something I was scared of. I looked at more expensive versions of this bike (the 4900, and up into the higher-end series 6000). With all the extras including tax I took the bike home for about $500. This was the best $500 I've ever spent on a bike. I was buying this bike to ride hard in adventure races on extremely rough tracks. That was back in January and it keeps on running like a champ. Shimano components are universal and easy to work on. For review purposes the model 4500 is considered a recreational bike, but it's technically the same as the model 4900 only with a less attractive set of shifter levers, standard tire valves and a Jett shock by Rock Shox. My team mates each have a model 4900 and they don't perform any better than my 4500, except for the nicer Judy shock by Rock Shox. For highly technical tracks, I don't recommend clipless pedals, though lots of guys use them. That's a personal thing anyway. If you only have $500 to spend on a performance mountain bike, the TREK 4500 is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy
a Downhiller
from new york
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | mt. vanhovenburg | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$409.00 | | Purchased At: | klarsfelds | | Strengths: | frame is light enough, bontrager crowbar is nice | | Weaknesses: | the derailler and cranks arent all dat good for serious riding, the shox should be upgraded too | | Similar Products Used: | trek:4900, 6000, 820, specialized rockhopper, specialized hardrock, | | Bike Setup: | ROCK SHOX PSYLOs, this fork completes this bike, i mean, word, this thing rocks, u gotta get one, talkin about smooooth and plush, your jetts will be put to shame | | Bottom Line: | i like this bike a lot cause it can take abuse, and if u totally f*ck it over, it can be fixed mad easy. this is a good all around bike, i love it. if u dont wanna totally destroy all the money u gotst, then buy this instead of a 6000, cause the only big difference is the shox(manitou magnums, which i aint wild about) and the derailler. i spent like 300 on my fork and about 400 on the bike, if u want this bike to reach its potential, then buy it a few presents. overall, this bike is very nice, takes abuse, and will not screw u over in the middle of nowhere, unless u dont get better kevlar bead tires, trek likes hooking us up with a nice frame, and some crappy components to save them money, but i love trek, so dont get me wrong, this is a sweet bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from cato,n.y
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | gore mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$435.00 | | Purchased At: | bob nolan's sporting goods | | Strengths: | shocks,handling,responsivness,grips,shifter's,good warrenty | | Weaknesses: | delairers went second day, guess factory mistake,seat nice looks but second day be prepared for some aki'n | | Similar Products Used: | pacific,next,g.t,... | | Bike Setup: | good geometry classic setup nice though | | Bottom Line: | is that i'm 6ft4in 240pd.s and the bike holds up over all kinds of terrain it's been a good STRONG bike, LOVE THE JETT ROCK SHOX!!!! great frame really lite,great tires, good job BONTRAGER JONES!!! the ideal buyer would be a recreational,lite xc rider not great for the hard trails take the easy-medeum riding trails i'd say track one down and buy one NOW!!! and it's one of those bikes that is worth putting a little MONEY into it.HAVE FUN AND TAKE CARE OF IT,IT WILL LAST LONG BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Peterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | everything, street, offroad, kettle moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel & Sprocket | | Strengths: | Rapid fire shifters, cable routing is above frame rather than below (saving wear and tear on it), comfortable grips and brakes. I already have 679 miles (mostly paved surfaces but also a good share on gravel and dirt) on mine and the tires still have plenty of life on them. Still all original equipment (chain, tires, etc.) except crankset and I am still not having troubles yet. | | Weaknesses: | About a week after I got it it began making an anoying clicking noise. It was all because the factory didn't grease the crank (where it goes through the frame) so the bearing got shot but Wheel and sprocket appologized and put in a new crank for free. | | Similar Products Used: | first bike with one shock | | Bottom Line: | This is an all around great bike. Whether it is for riding 30 miles of paved trail at a time or just down the block it is comfortable and very reliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howie S
a
from Hopatcong
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wawayand st park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's Cycle | | Strengths: | Great frame | | Weaknesses: | The rims are horrible, problems with both derailers | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | shimano 858 clipless pedals,jet xc fork (75mm)Compliments of rock shock,piramid bar ends,lizard skins, free agent race seat, bontrager mustang rims | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I ride it when ever I get chance. It's
great for xc but as I've been getting into more technical rides I find that I'm starting to out grow it. I hate to say that because I love this bike so much. But alas I think it's time to move on to a dual suspention. This is a great bike for the price. Very much worthy of upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quaker Oats
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | yer dads | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | olympia cycle and ski | | Strengths: | siff,yet compliant ride lets carve corners with ease. nice geometry from the old school racers from the early '90s | | Weaknesses: | none that i have detected. | | Similar Products Used: | i wouldnt call it similar but it was a 94 giant iguana frame,my own parts. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 4300 frame,un72bb,xt 7speed cass.,99lxcranks,pc51chain,tioga pedles,rhinolite rear wheel,deorehub,zac19front,formulahub,rockshox indy c,deore v's FandR,raceface stem,icon bar,99lx brake levers. | | Bottom Line: | this bike provides me with a foundation for a nice daily vehicle. stiff,responsive with good handling and fast acceration in and out of the saddle thanks to classic 71/73 geometry. by the way,that was 350 canadian and it included a seatpost and un52bb. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TheWeb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Royal National Park - Various | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Frasers Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, frame, good place to start from for an upgrade. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels, front deur. and grips. | | Similar Products Used: | Other similar priced bikes when buying. | | Bike Setup: | Standard other than bar ends and semi slick tyres. | | Bottom Line: | I use the bike mostly to commute to work, a 40Km (24 mi) round trip and this bike if effortless, makes the trip through the fumes a lot easier. I have however had to rebuild the back wheel with stronger spokes as they kept snapping, I am 6 ft and 240 pounds so they can be forgiven but I was not doing anything more than hitting pot holes so I was pissed off. On the couple of times I have taken the bike into the trails I have found it more than handles anything I can throw at it so.
I would like to upgrade the front forks and front deurallier (which like a number of reviewers I have found difficult to move into the big wheel) but apart from than this bike is great for the price and would provide most people who are anything below expert a solid base for an excellent price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jimbob
a Weekend Warrior
from westmont illinois usa
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | good components for the price
light,er than my other bike
good handling,comfortable ride | | Weaknesses: | front derailleur cable stretches like a rubber band
braking surfaces get dusty fast (i almost ran into a parked semi truck)
| | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great bike to buy if you're willing to upgrade as your skill advances(or your wallet) allows. there aren't any major glitches to speak of except to keep the rim clean it's scarry having close to no brakes when you gotta stop but if you can't afford a better bike this is your best bet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Morris Aaron Bicycles and Repair | | Strengths: | Value for the price, comfortable seat, lightweight,nice tires. | | Weaknesses: | Trashy Mavic rims, front shifter makes you take your eyes off the trail | | Similar Products Used: | THe same as the new Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for my drink holder and air pump mounted on it. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for the price. It's lots of fun to ride and takes bumps and abuse well. But the rims suck. I didn't just bend the back rim easily, it was twisted so much that I couldn't even ride it.... Many people complain about the shocks but I'm not experienced anough to say anything about that. They're okay for my riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Gavinchuk
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Monkey Suits | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS FOR A 2000 TREK 4300, NOT 4500
Cheap
Strong | | Weaknesses: | Crappy components
Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher tequila | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for 2000 Z.4 bombers, STX shifters, Radical DH Riser bar | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a freaken tank!! With a suspention fork on the front, this bike will handel downhilling, I know from experiance. True the components and wheels might not be the best, but they get the job done, and well at that, I do 5'+ drops and my rims are just slightly warped, nothing major. So if your looking for a good bike for the money, this bike won't steer you wrong. I only paid $550 Canadian!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis John Lemley
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake City, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hanna Park and Crusty Knuckle | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes and More | | Strengths: | Great Frame, lightweight and durable. Fast and easy to control. | | Weaknesses: | Most people have had problems with front derailleur, so did i until i had a tune up and it hs been awesome since. The wheels suck, they are heavy and weak, but what would expect from a 450 dollar bike. Front fork needs ugrades, but it handles well. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | Fast, went to a 5 degree stem and Marozzochi fork. 80 mm of travel and 5 mm of negative travel. New shimano clipless pedals. Great bike to upgrade because frame is so good. | | Bottom Line: | I ride five to six times a week and ride hard. I was toked to see how well this low price bike performed. I threw on some clipless pedals a Marzzochi Z-2 bam fork and bontrager stem. The next upgrades will be a set of Rolf Dolomite wheels with Chris King hubs. Then i will replace the handle bar,drivetrain, and components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nate
a Weekend Warrior
from ames, iowa
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$415.00 | | Strengths: | great price for a pretty good bike. nice brakes. | | Weaknesses: | the front derailleur takes some attention to switch to the big sprocket. i also bent the the rear rim easily. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6000, gary fisher mamba | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | it's not a bad bike for the price and the shifting can be overlooked, but that rim really pissed me off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mt. van hovenburg | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike store | | Strengths: | light frame, pretty good brakes, price, strong frame, handlebars | | Weaknesses: | the jett fork isnt very good for rough riding, and the front derailler really sucks | | Similar Products Used: | trek:830, 6000, 820 | | Bike Setup: | 4500 with judy race shox and all of the little odds and ends
| | Bottom Line: | this is definately the best bike out there for the price. the frame is really good, but youll have to upgrade the shox and front derailler if you really want to have a nice mountain bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Melissa
a Cross Country Rider
from Hoboken, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | blue mountain, stokes | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | metro bikes | | Strengths: | strong frame, maneuverable, good components | | Weaknesses: | the derailleur!!! a lot of trouble getting into the big ring. pedals stink too. | | Bike Setup: | mostly original but working on it: shimano barends, nashbar clipless pedals, all the other basic accessories | | Bottom Line: | what a great first bike at a great price! this baby has taken more than its share of abuse in its first 5 months and i'm sure it will take plenty more with no complaints. the components are good enough to start and the frame is tuff. again, my one complaint is that derailleur... it's really ticking me off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Sandner
a Weekend Warrior
from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rose Hill Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke 'n' Motion | | Strengths: | Jetts work very well, like the strong frame, and the brakes work pretty good | | Weaknesses: | weak rims, crappy pedals | | Similar Products Used: | rocky Mountain Fusion, Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | good | | Bottom Line: | great intro bike. Im stil riding this bike, and I'm getting into bigger drops everyday. This bike can take nearly anything I throw at it, if you can, replace the Bar, and the pedals(their pretty bad!) everything else is awesome! buy this bike if your low on doe, or just getting in to biking.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Lancaster, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail? Who needs a stinkin' trail!! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes and Stuff | | Strengths: | Definately the price. Very light and manuevers excellent. I haven't riden a bike in 6 years since I broke my foot, but this bike doesn't tire me out unlike others. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals and rims are cheaply made. Having difficulties with front deraileur switching to large sprocket. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwin Moab | | Bike Setup: | Stock, REI Saddle Bag | | Bottom Line: | If you plan on doing some hard-core mountain biking, this is NOT the bike to get. This ia a good "Beginner" bike. If you just want to have a bike to cruise around and/or ride to work, this would be your best choice!! I plan on upgrading the handgrips, pedals, and eventually rims. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgantown, WV USA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at Coopers Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Wamsley Cycles | | Strengths: | Tuff frame, smooth deraileurs, great price! | | Weaknesses: | Slippery pedals, squishy brakes, not much to complain about since this mofo is an entry level bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2000 4500 with Specialized A1-DirtRodz bar ends, Specialzed Speedzone Comp computer, Zefal front/rear fenders. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks arse! I just started mountain biking, and its a great bike for the $$$. I've thrown much unholy crap at this bike, and it's taken it without pain. Although the pedals are kinda-stinky...the rest of the components work fine and are smooth. I might change to a Manitou fork or sumtin...but the Jett fork is great. Ima obsessed with taken a beatin on trails now...and this bike siuts me fine. I love to ride everywhere and anywhere. Get this kick ass bike! haha It deserves 5 flamin turds. SCHWEEEEEET | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Daubs
a Cross Country Rider
from Center Point, Iowa USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | sugarbottom | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$385.00 | | Purchased At: | Hall's Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Price, Strong Frame, Great entry level components | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Singlewalled "No Name" Wheelsets, Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | SDG Belair seat, Shimano clipless pedals, Trek Computer, Barends | | Bottom Line: | Very good entry level bike, I bought it to get back into bicycling cheap, but still buy name brand. The local Trek Dealer had a great staff and talked me into it. For the three months I had it it was a great durable bike. Unfortunately an elderly individual in a four wheeled roadhog decided that I didn't belong on the road. So, I'm onto a Trek 6000. I'll post that review in a few months. This bike is a great bike for beginners or people getting back into the sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Detroit, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all of em | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Pointe Cycle & Fitness | | Strengths: | frame,tires,seat,shifters,front brake,headset,rear derailler,climbing,descending,cornering | | Weaknesses: | basic fork,front derailler,rims kinda weak,rear brake | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajarra, Specialized Hardrock Comp, Schwinn Mesa GSX | | Bike Setup: | stock other than computer,saddle bag,pump | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. Will upgarde fork and brakes though.Great starter bike.
I have ridin it very hard, very far, and very fast and it is still in perfect condition. Can get good speed, good uphill, downhill, and at cornering.
Overall i would highly recomend the bike to beginners and riders of moderate trail riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | steep! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Great price and ready for upgrades | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Pedels suck a nut, and my front derailer is jacked | | Similar Products Used: | walmart pos | | Bottom Line: | If your just geting started and don't want to spend over 500 get the bike and ride for a while and then upgrade it. Exalent bike I go out 2 or 3 times a week and it's held up GREAT!
-1 flamin' chilis cuase it's not the pimpest bike out there... but it is for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Hamill
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lincoln | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Solid frame.
I like the fast-action shifters.
Good Brakes.
It's a Trek! | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, everyone has mentioned this, and it's true. The blow. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000
Bianchi Forte | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the money. I had to get a relatively cheap new bike because I destroyed my Forte, and this one is filling it's shoes nicely even though it is MUCH less expensive. I would change the pedals to clipless ASAP, and maybe upgrade the SHOX, but other then that just have fun! The construction is solid, and it's light. You can't get a better bike for $375. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Surly
a Weekend Warrior
from East Coast NF, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Eastern Newfoundand | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great frame, tires ,an O.K. rear deraileur and cost !!!
Oh and the shifters are actually preaty neat too (plastic though). | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, crank, front deraileur, seat, grips, shocks. | | Bike Setup: | Stock '00 4500 'cept Odyssey tripple trap pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike 3 moths and I cant stop riding it!
It feels great (except of the seat, but all our butts are different). The pedals are very slippery and are dangerous, so are the grips if you dont wear gloves, any bit of moisture (like sweat) and your hands will slip right off.
The crank and front deraileur are crap, but for the price, I won't complain much. Upgrading them will be nesessary however because both wont last untill fall at the rate I am going now.
To be honest, the Jett shocks that come stock are the only shocks I have ever ridden, so I cant say much against them, but I have felt "let down" by them in certian "non-urban" situations, and I only hope that this will be better if/when I upgrade.
Overall... Great intro bike when you dont have a lot of cash, but dont want to sacrifice quality. BUY THIS BIKE
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Bradstreet
a Weekend Warrior
from Albion, ME, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | University Of Maine's Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame Rubber | | Weaknesses: | clips and seat | | Similar Products Used: | univega cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept NEW seat | | Bottom Line: | I am a 300lb rider I love this bike and for the money it is well worth it! the SEAT is seriously a piece of crap, the peddles are ok but the clips are a little suicidle and the front crank set is ok but welded together so you cant change the tooth count unless you upgrade the whole thing Sob Sob.
Other then that the rubber is great, the brakes are great as well, I havent had a bike I can lock up the back tire on in a LONG time! the frame is sweet ! and over all it is a great bike for the Weekend Warrior! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trey
a Cross Country Rider
from edmond, oklahoma
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light frame, good shifters | | Weaknesses: | crappy drivetrain and back brakes almost ineffective | | Bottom Line: | This is a great beginner's bike. But if u plan to do any serious riding or technical trails you would probaly be better off getting the 6000 instead (it's worth the extra dough). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Piebes
a Weekend Warrior
from Brewster MA Usa
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | nickerson State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Everything, I LOVE IT!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | The toe traps,and the shifters{it doesn't shift into 8th gear properly} | | Similar Products Used: | None this is my first real mountain bike besides a bradlees special. {A mongoose rip off} | | Bike Setup: | 18" | | Bottom Line: | This is a kick ass first time bike. I've had it for less than a month and it has held up extremley well. I recomend this bike for riders that know the sport but are still ameturs and for the riders that dont have a lot of change in their pocket. I ride it almost every day and it rides great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickie Jones
a
from Lex Park, Maryland
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | dept store bikes, and Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I just purchased this bike 5 days ago, and this is the most comfortable bike that I've ridden. I just finished a 4 hour ride through Washington DC, and Old Town Alexandria, Va, and I'm not even tired.
This is my first time using the toe clips and straps on the pedals and I love them. The Rock Shox Jett supension works excellent, I was hopping curbs and going down stairs and it performed great. The Oasis seat is very comfortable after 4 hours of riding my derrier didn't hurt at all. The weight of the whole bicycle is perferct, after riding the other bikes that I've rode, I could hardly tell it was there. Overall I think this is one great bike, and it is an excellent platform for upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Grogan
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville,GA USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dawson Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | dependability,price,frame | | Weaknesses: | seat,pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher,Raliegh | | Bike Setup: | stock except for clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike at an exceptional price. I'm 6'-1' tall and weigh 230 pounds and this bike went in some nasty places without any mechanical breakdowns. You will not buy a better bike for $400.If you plan on riding offroad ,go ahead and throw the stock pedals in the trash. The seat gets uncomfortable after a few hours but it is still better than the stock seats on most other more expensive bikes.I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a do-it-all bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgantown, WV USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Undecided | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I really like the look of the bike, and it feels great too. The front shox help to soak up the bumps. The OASIS seat is rather comfortable for a stock bike. The rapid fire shifters really do the job well and are easy to get used to. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals a slippery and the toe straps are worthless. Front deraileur someitmes doesnt engage the gear quickly. Yhe shox could be a lil stiffer. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Trek 4500 w/ Specialized SPEEDZONE Comp. | | Bottom Line: | This bike presents a good time and i thouroughly enjoy it!!! It makes me wanna ride, and is fun to shift. I am thinking about upgrading the pedals, and the front derailuer is starting to slip already! But for the moola..it's a great beggninnng bike. I love it!!! FIVE CHILLIS FOR THIS 'LIL 'MOFO!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from North Royalton, OH
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Price, durability, great seat for a stock seat, the shifters (the rapid-fire shifters instead of the index shifters the store had on display), plus the bike looks cool. :-) | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major... the front derailleur required a little tweaking to get it to shift to the middle cog after purchase. | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 Trek 850 | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | I _LOVE_ this bike. Having only previously ridden BMX, road bikes, and my friend's Trek 850 (no shocks), the shocks are a godsend. I really like the rapid-fire shifters, and the fact that you can tell exactly what gear you're in (it shows the number of the gear you're in) instead of guestimating like the shifters that I've seen in many of the other Treks that I've seen. The tires that come with this bike are great (I still have yet to find an incline that they can't go up), and, even though the Jett shocks are lower-end shocks, I haven't been able to bottom them out. The stock seat (an Oasis) is amazingly comfortable. I may get a gel seat at some point, but not yet.
I also like the price! $400 is a great deal for the bike. I'd recommend this to just about anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derailleur
a Cross Country Rider
from South Korea
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pagoda Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This bike has a very strong frame and I really enjoy the drivetrain compared to my previous bike. It's light and very manouverable. | | Weaknesses: | The only weaknesses I've seen is the pedals but I didn't even use the stock pedals, took them off and put my clipless pedals on right away! Also, the wheels would have never stood up to the mountain and downhill riding my group does so I upgraded them to double walled Mavic rims with Shimano Hubs! | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike was an Alton full suspension. This is a tremendous improvement over the Alton due to it's light weight and the fact that I blew the rear shock in less than a month on the Alton. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of clipless pedals and upgraded wheels to double wall rims. I'm a 200+ 5'11" guy so I needed the extra support. Especially for some of the riding we do here in Korea! Oh yeah, I also upgraded to the bontrager seat that comes with the 8500 for an extra $15 from my dealer! I've added a Cateye cyclocomputer which is a good product and at an excellent price from www.nashbar.com... By the way, that's where I get all of my biking gear (for the most part)! | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is an excellent intermediate bike. I have purchased double walled rims and had the bontrager tires put on the double walls. I also kept the stock rims and added road tires to them and another rear cog set. That gives me the flexibility of riding road or dirt. For what I've got in this bike, I could have purchased a 6500 but I wouldn't be as satisfied I don't think because I have many extra features on my 4500 that I wouldn't have been able to get otherwise! Overall, I'd give this bike 5 chilis because I really enjoy riding and also enjoy the fact that I was able to purchase it in the states and bring it back on the plane with me. Although it did cost me an additional $75 but I got what I wanted! As far as the Rock Shox Jett's are concerned, they're good and I haven't been able to bottom them out yet but give me some time and I'm sure I'll be wanting to upgrade! I'm always wanting to upgrade...
I'd recommend this bike to someeone that's interested in mountain biking on a serious level but nothing too extreme that they're going to be out there trying to break their neck. It's a good beginner's/intermediate level bike. If you're looking for a good experienced rider's bike, go with the Trek 6500... Hell, go for the 8500 with front and rear disc brakes for the $1800... I'm sure it's worth it too!
Overall, I'd give the Trek 4500 5 Chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Trailrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Creek, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | i ride them all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This Bike in my opinion rides very well on the trails. it climbs nice and decends pretty good too. i think it has alot of good things going for it. | | Weaknesses: | The Rock Shox Jett is ok. i havent riddin many shocks but i would like to upgrade it to something of a higher level. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820. the bikes have similar components but the 4500 is much lighter. and the rock shox jett is still better than the insync shock on the trek 820. so i guess it aint the (total bottom of the line) because there are still things worse than it. | | Bike Setup: | I'm ridin on the stock components except for new more agressive pedals. and Bontrager Mavrick double walled rims. other than that the bike is stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. if you want a strong, dependable, retively light, fun bike then buy the 4500. its great for its value and hey ride it for awhile then spend some money and get a better shock and youll almost have a bike equal to the 6000. the only thing I didnt like about the bike when I bought it was the cheap single walled rims. but you can complain for the price. ($400). Well thats all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Guillory
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Daily Ranch, Escondido, CA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light (for $400), total weight on this bike stock is 30.0 lbs. They put some decent components, like the Acera shifters (I love them) and derailleurs (Alivio), and they work great. | | Weaknesses: | The Altus crankset was wrecked after 3 rides (from high gear climbs, I suspect). Other than that, I can't complain. The shock is bottom of the line (Rock Shox Jett). You can buy it $100 new. Probably good to replace later when you start getting into some super technical trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800something (way heavier), ride them both, you'll feel it. | | Bike Setup: | Late 2000 model stock. I'll probably have to upgrade the crankset with something stronger. | | Bottom Line: | It's definately a intro level bike, but well worth the cash (picked it up for $370). You can't ask for a better frame for the price though. If you are new, and you are looking for a first bike that will do some moderate trails, go buy this bike right now! If you are a hardcore downhiller, then you need a $1000+ bike. Trek had a great rep, my dealer offered free tune-ups too. The shock is only a little bit better than having nothing, but oh well, good shocks are $300 by themselves. The Trek 6000 has the better Judy shock (exact same frame, though), but I was too cheap for the extra $150. 4 Chilis for the 4500, 5 Chilis should be reserved for something no weaknesses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Canada
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything on Burnaby MTN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great frame good Rims bars headset LIGHT!!! | | Weaknesses: | I love this bike but i can't stand the drive train or the pedals | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | M545 clipless pedals, Deore Crank, XT front derailer LX rear, Deore XT brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great Base to build on
This is a great bike to learn your stuff it is very forgiving
5 chillis for Value
3 Overall for the drive train | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, CA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Ord/Toro park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Solid feel, great frame for the $$$. Good components. | | Weaknesses: | Terrible pedals, would be nice to have fromt sprockets that are interchangeable. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose solid frame | | Bike Setup: | Clip pedals, oversize downhill handlebar with bar ends, paid extral for long travel Jett shocks. | | Bottom Line: | I rode my mongoose for just over 1100 miles in a year. I love this bike so much I have put 700 miles on it in the last 9 weeks. It does anything i want it to do. It is very forgiving as i learn better riding techniques. I can now keep up with the other front suspension riders on the downhills without getting vibrated off my line like I did with the solid frame. This bike is better than my friends $700 GT. The long travel makes the 35+ MPH single track downhills like butter baby. BUY THIS BIKE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ramsés
a Weekend Warrior
from Viva Las Vegas Baby, Yah!!
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Rock Hiking Trails w/ Cactuses and Rattle Snakes!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame, Altus/Alivio Drivetrain, Brakes, Tires | | Weaknesses: | Plastic Cage Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, 4300, Raleigh M55, Diamondback Topanga | | Bike Setup: | Factory + Yellow BMX/Freestyle Platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | For $400, nothing compares to it in this price range. It handles nicely, and it's very light. I was fortunate to have gotten my 4500 with Deore brake calipers and Shimano Acera shifters (the factory i guess ran out of the cheaper components which usually come with this bike). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Patterson
a Weekend Warrior
from Medford,Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Mt.,High lakes.,Applegate lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This bike is light and fast.Mywife bought a GT for the same price.;lower components and is no comparison to the trek .Bought her a 4500last month!!!!
cant go wrong for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is bad cant move arund on it, too sticky soft. Pedals suck . other than that a good package for 375-400 dollars | | Bike Setup: | stock w/545 clipless pedals.New seat still looking for the right seat. | | Bottom Line: | If this is your first mt.bike and you have 400 to spend dont mess around either buy used ar buy this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpharetta,GA usa
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wooten Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Price !!! Overall good value does everything I want it to
| | Weaknesses: | Pedals are worthless for all but the most simple trails | | Bike Setup: | Added 646 clipless pedals and bar ends . | | Bottom Line: | As an entry level bike I don't know how it can be beat . I have just started and have put about 20 to 40 miles a week on it . It climbs well . Shifts when I want it to . Other than the pedals and maybe the fork I couldn't be happier.
I give it a 9 out of 10 as far as bang for the buck . If you are not sure what to buy you can't go wrong with this bike as an entry point . It gives you a great starting point and if your not too hard core it may be all you need .
Many of the mags poo poo the cheap bikes but I can't see spending any more on anything else if you don't need it . I've flipped it , dumped it , crashed it , rode it in the mud , rain , gravel and hard pack and I'm happy . I liked it so much I recommended it to my wife when she wanted a bike . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a Weekend Warrior
from Laurel, MD
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Price, excellent frame, nice looking brake and shifter combo (works well too, so far) | | Weaknesses: | Shocks, shocks, shocks, crappy seat hubs and no bar ends. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Specialized bar ends, aftermarket seat and Carmichael Alum. pulleys. | | Bottom Line: | This is a really good bike for beginner to the intermediate rider or those with a tight budget. The shocks are the first thing that intermediate riders will want to upgrade. The brake and shifter set up is nice to look at and is somewhat durable but I would/will up grade them later on to seperate units, for obvious reasons. The rims are ok but the hubs need to be stronget units for the intermediate to expert rider. Overall not to shabby of a deal from Trek. A great bike for one to start of with and have a great ability to be upgraded as your skills improve.:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from St Louis MO
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer has trouble going from low to mid ring. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I am 6'2 and 180lbs. I ride hard and fast. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike. It has all the good entry level components that you can race/sport with. The Rock Shok has given me no problems yet and I have gone over some stuff that I certainly would have ate the farm with a rigid bike. I am in the process of adding a suspension seat post (U.S.E. SX). Make sure to look for a good price. I saw $369-$429 I got $369. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Wolf
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomington, IN
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wapehani | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Everything, I even like the shocks | | Weaknesses: | nothing so far | | Similar Products Used: | some other Trek bike that just felt weird | | Bike Setup: | Stock without the toe clips | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike for all around use. I don't really like the pedals but those are easily and fairly cheaply replaced. good single track bike, this is my first bike with front suspension and so far I really like it, and they haven't given me any problems yet. If you are looking for a good bike that doesn't cost as much as college tuition itself, here you go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, MB Canada
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sandylands Prov. Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Nice Starter bike, I enjoy it. Nice colors. The shimano EF33 Ez-fire shifters are beautiful. (Never did like gripshifts.)Great bike for what you pay for. Grips are comfortable. Fairly light. | | Weaknesses: | No-name front hub. Rims are a bit flimsey (I bent my front wheel on a bail.) Saddle doesn't want to stay put. Saddle could be more comfortable, after a Saturday of 45 km (about 30 miles)it was a bit uncomfy. ;) | | Similar Products Used: | None. First serious MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Trek 4500 w/bar-ends. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great MTB for those people who want to get into MTBing more serously. You get exactly what you pay for. It would be nice if this bike came with bar-ends but they are a inexpensive add-on. I would reccmend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Foster
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, B.C.
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very light durable frame, very comfy seat and components are awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap ass fork ( I bought marzocchi Z3's for an upgrade), and pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 and trek 6000 (manitou magnums) | | Bike Setup: | 4500, with sweet ass marzocchi Z3 QR20 bombers. | | Bottom Line: | SWEEEEEEET BIKE, EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT THE FORK SUCKS AND THE PEDALS SLIP TOO MUCH. I WOULD UPGRADE THE SHOX AS SOON AS YOU GET IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg rogers
a Cross Country Rider
from columbia, md usa
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | howard county public trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | all around all star | | Weaknesses: | pedals suck | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock, soon I'll get bar ends + clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | It is probably one of the best bikes out there for $400. It is durable and the parts on it are good. The brakes are fine. The only bad thing is the pedals sqeak and rattle. Scary. So I'm getting clip-ins anyway. Not top of the line, but it suits me perfect. Buy it if you are a budget rider who still wants performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The Seat is awesome | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | The bike is awesome for just about anything. I've done just about everything possible on the thing. I've done some rough trails with the 4500, and nothin' is wrong with it yet.so if you're gonna get any bike under $500, make sure you look at this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mynsx
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell in Long Island | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Reputation of maker. Inexpensive. Decently spec'd for an entry level mountain bike. | | Weaknesses: | It comes with a very cheap fork(Jett C) which brings the whole bike down. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930 w/Judy 100. Trek 8000. | | Bike Setup: | Riser bar. LX brakes. chain tensioner. | | Bottom Line: | It's a decent entry level bike. Would have rated higher if not for the crappy fork. For a beginner, it's good cause you'll feel a BIG difference if you trade up. If you plan on upgrading...DON'T. Buy a better bike with a better fork. It'll be cheaper that way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Len
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, PA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | logging roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Aluminum frame, rigid, well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | pedals, last years parts. | | Similar Products Used: | No MB, only BMX | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the $$$. This is my first mountain bike. It was suggested by a friend who owns one and I love it. I think its a great entry level bike and has more than enough goodies to keep me happy. (for now anyway)
I will be upgrading to clipless pedals soon as well as a different seat. My only real complaint was that it came with some 1999 model parts. The shocks and shifters are 1999, as well as the cranks. I am a little disappointed by this because I paid for the newest technology but didnt get it. I wrote Trek a letter and they said that this is normal to run out last years inventory of parts before using the new stuff. They said that last years design is just as good as the new, but if this were true, why change it? Especially on the shocks. There is a large difference in wheel placement. Sorry about all the whining. Its a great bike and I highly recommend it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jojo
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, New York
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | wherever I am allowed | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Name
Reputation
Quality
Light-weight
Seat | | Weaknesses: | None...yet | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am pretty much a beginner to Mountain Bike riding. The other bike that I had I couldn't do much with it. I expect to do much more with this one. For the price and the name I don't think I made a bad decision. I was deciding between this one and the Specialized Rockhopper but for some reason the Trek was more alluring. I've ridden it in a few areas and it was all great rides. If it wasn't for the crummy weather I would be riding this bike more often. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Hayes
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chapel Hill High School Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light responsive frame. Good tires and good brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Not so great pedals, squishy fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Air boat w/ aluminum frame | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is better than bacon and eggs. I got a good fit, and it feels light and rigid. It isn't top of the line component wise, but a good buy for someone who doesn't want to spend the big bucks all at once. The most important components such as brakes (V), and shifters (alivio/acera) work fine for my weekend warrior jaunts on single track, and daily commutes to work. I plan on upgrading as I go like pedals (slipery toe clips), but the aluminum frame proves to be a good foundation for a great bike.
It is really hard to complain about much on this bike. The biggest improvement could be better pedals. If you don't have that under $500.00 complex, buy this bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedal Pusher
a Downhiller
from Forest
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Farm Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The hole thing | | Weaknesses: | Not a One | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock so Far | | Bottom Line: | This bike is cheap stonge, tuff, and balls to walls fast. The frame is stiff and very lite. Rock Shox jetts Rock up front. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, CA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | White Fence | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The aluminum frame
Trek quality
Price
Warranty
Looks | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur
pedals or toe clips | | Similar Products Used: | '99 Specialized Comp A1 FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Profile bar ends | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this is a great bike period. For the money it is an excellent bike. You can't find a better value on the market for a 2000 bike of this quality with an aluminum frame and front shocks. It is true the shocks are not the best, but they are not bad for the average trail and for the price of this bike. I have only had this bike a short while but have ridden a lot with it so far and enjoy riding it more and more with each ride. Overall the components are good. The rear derailleur is fine although the front does not shift in all the time, although not a huge deal. The brakes and shifters are good too. The tires are excellent and hold real well. The only real problem I have encountered so far is with the pedals as my foot does not fit in cleanly. It is either the pedals or the toe clips are too short. That is easily fixable and I might decide to go with clipless pedals most likely anyway. You will climb with ease with this bike and descend well too as the bike has great handling. What I am trying to say is buy this bike because it ROCKS! This bike is solid! Even with all of this information it's really the rider that ROCKS anyway, right? Keep Charging! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from libertyville il
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | alum. frame
shifters
value
easy to upgrade
easy to work on
very durable | | Weaknesses: | the Fork freezes up in cold weather
| | Similar Products Used: | bridgestone MB-3 w/ a no name shock | | Bike Setup: | added clipless pedals and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This is a correction of a previous view that I by accident put in the 1999 4500 review.
FUN BIKE! in the 3 months I have had this bike I have ridden it in all types of weather from below zero in snow to when temps hit the 80*s and in rain, snow, mud, and hard pack.
the 4500 is a tuff bike Ive ran into bolders and have taken some big hits on this bike and I have not had to make any repairs from those accidents.
The only problem that I have had is that the standard rock shox jett freezes solid at 20*F and becomes useless.
its a great bike to up grade shop for deals on upgrades i have put on clipless pedals and bar ends. even those small upgrades are a huge improvement my bike ROCKs. The only other up grade that I am working on is gutting my frount fork and installing an englund total air system in place of the elastoners. over all though the bike is a great beginner bike and is a real great bike for its price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the steepest one without being vertical | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | This bike has a lot of strengths. It has very strong welds, and is very light. The aluminum frame comes with a lifetime guarantee, so it has to be good. The shocks are very smooth, as well as the brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness that I have found is a small one. The pedals come with straps. I am not a professional biker, so I guess its up to you, and your prefs. but the straps can be easily removed with some pliers. | | Similar Products Used: | I am upgrading from a Mongoose D60r that fell apart after one trail. | | Bike Setup: | All stock, except the seat, because I am used to my GT seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a VERY good bike for the money. It has good parts, which will last a long time. The bike is very light, comfortable, and smooth riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cougar
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, Ok, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very Light Weight, It seems to take anything I can throw at it. Shifting is a breeze. The terrain I ride on can be really rough and the bike took every last bit of it. Very responsive. | | Weaknesses: | Non that I can notice. If I had the money, I would step up to clipless pedals. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this...If this is the first real MT. Bike you buy. You'll love it. This bike is a great entry level bike for the price (so I have been told). It comes with good parts that can be upgraded. I can't give the bike a 5 flaming chili rating because there might just be something better that I haven't found yet. If I had more time to squeeze in a day I would be riding my new bike. The colors are pretty cool too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Enid, OK
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Roman Nose State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | PRICE!!!
Trek Name and Quality
wieght | | Weaknesses: | No complaints yet
| | Similar Products Used: | P.O.S. Mongoose (walmart special) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a walmart bike there's no comparison. I road 400 miles in six months on the mongoose and it fell apart. This bike seems to be very solid. Shifting is a dream (even uphill!!). I've put about 200 miles on this bike without a problem, trails and road. Good cross trainer, seems to have good high gear for speed and lows for climbing. Excellent bike without breaking the bank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Adlam
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any there are | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This bike is very light. the frame has good strong supports on it making it usable for any type of surface. great value for money and a deffinate contender for it range. | | Weaknesses: | pedals are a bit slippy and good do with some sort of grip on them, other thatn that no complaints. | | Similar Products Used: | not worth mentioning | | Bike Setup: | stock standard at the mo | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a must for anyone who has £400 to spend and would highly recomend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth TX USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Die Trying | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame, Seat, very light, Gear shifters | | Weaknesses: | Pedels | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy MTB | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this is a all around good bike. It makes me want to ride. Quiet, light weight and great shocks all contribute to the bikes exellent features. This bike came Highly recommended to me. The pedals are weak, and could have been better but after the first ride I went to clipless.
As I said the bike itself is a great buy for what you get.
It will be my ride of choice for a long while
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smithers
a Weekend Warrior
from Mooresville, IN
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of 'em | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Nice solid frame, shifters, comfy seat | | Weaknesses: |
pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
Mostly no-name junk | | Bike Setup: |
2000 Trek 4500 (stock at the moment) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the $$$. The frame is fairly light and easy to maneuver. I love the shifters on this thing! The only problem I've had is that one of the toe-straps came off mid-ride and nearly cost me some skin (my own fault for not checking the tightness of the nut). Once the strap was off, I found the pedal to be slick even when dry and downright dangerous. Other than the pedals I don't have a single negative comment about the bike. At $369, you just can't beat it! Would've been five chilis, but the pedals cost it one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alastair
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wherever lies a new experience | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame integrity and finish;
manouverability;
relatively low weight; and great road feel. | | Weaknesses: |
Front shocks could be a little stiffer. | | Similar Products Used: |
Mongoose Sycamore;
Avanti Barracuda. | | Bike Setup: |
Tyres alternated between: Bontrager Jones (great on all terrain) & IRC Metros for commuting (very smooth);
Dual function pedals with AXO shoes. | | Bottom Line: | I could have spent quite a bit more money and purchased what would supposedly be a 'better bike' but I have no real cause for complaint. I'd rather spend the money on upgrading as components tire out (or I tire of them) and end up with a package that suits me at a reasonable cost. As I sit having owned the bike for 11 weeks and having covered 1,220 kms, I cannot think of any major problems that I have encountered. The front shocks could be a little stiffer, and the tendency to understeer is initially disconcerting, but this trait is soon compensated for. The forks will eventually be changed if I come across a bargain. Clipless pedals make the riding both enjoyable and efficient. They come highly recommended.
The bottom line though is that this bike makes me want to ride, rain or shine. The improvement to my mind, body and general wellbeing has ensured that I will use this bike until it dies. After riding a few comparable models I found this to be a well rounded compromise. Well done Trek. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R. Imedio
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light bike, very easy to upgrade, based on a great frame | | Weaknesses: |
Not discovered yet | | Bike Setup: |
4500, fork RockShox JETT | | Bottom Line: | Im very happy to choose this bike. Seems like I will own it for a long time, upgrading whatever I need. | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 400.00
