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Submitted by
James
a
from MI
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | D&D Bicycles | | Strengths: | Durability - Trek Quality control, solid construction, farily decent componentry for the price. | | Weaknesses: | For a true XC racer, some components are both too heavy and too non-efficient. However, this bike isn't meant to be thrown on the XC circuit. | | Similar Products Used: | All Trek hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.5, Avid SD Ti brakes and levers, Raceface Deus stem, WTB Speed saddle, Rhyno Lite Wheelset, Panaracer XC pro tires, Shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. Trek lives up to it's standard of excellence in quality control. I work at a shop, and so I've seen the bikes progress through the years since I got this hardtail - If not staying as good as they were, they only get better. As you can see, I've swapped out a bunch of componentry. However, the stock Deore derailleur has surprisingly given me excelent performance. Props to Shimano for my lucky break! Overall, excellent bike, good price, and a fun bike to ride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | R | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's | | Strengths: | Frame Build Quality | | Weaknesses: | Aweful Stock Parts | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 (2004), Trek 4500 (2003), and Trek 4300 (2002) | | Bike Setup: | Bar: Bontrager Race
Stem: Bontrager Race
Post: Bontrager Sport
Seat: Bontrager FS 2000
FD: XT
RD: XT
Crank: Deore (2003)
Pedals: M858
Cassette: SRAM 850
Grips: Crank Brothers
Tires: Revolt SS | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
This is a long-term report. My 4900 has now over 3,000 miles, and is still going strong. The stock 4900 has an excellent rigid frame, but parts quality is just plain aweful. Listed below are the progressive changes:
Shimano XT FD/RD are quite good, as is the the Shimano Deore Hollowtech crank. Bontrager Race stem, bar, and post improve rigidity, while providing a quality feel. This is the same level of parts offered on the new Trek 8000.
Don't get caught-up in SL vs. SLR thing. A good hardtail 21" frame will come in at 4 pounds. Start with a solid platform and upgrade the componenets to fit your riding style. Bottom line, the Trek 4900 is not made for racing, but it can be made into a very respecable trail bike with the proper upgrades.
Russ
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Wells, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Willis Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Works | | Strengths: | The crowbar is amazing also the rims have lasted me a while. I have nerver had a bent rim with all the ridng ive done on singletrack. I think that if you are going to ride on dirt roads, trhe fork is perfect but any other riding, i would upgrade. | | Weaknesses: | Ive had some trouble with the fork and spacers. My bottom bracket is wearing fast to. I also bent the pedals out of shape.The front derrailur is shizz. | | Similar Products Used: | First high quality mountain bike i have owned, have tried simialr treks and gary fishers but couldnt afford them, I owned many department store bikes before this and i have had to repair them constantly. | | Bike Setup: | Cinelli Grips, wierwolf tires, xt front deraillur, the rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. If you want a good bike for xc racing or starting out into xc rcaing, it would be beneficial to buy this bike. It is a great find for its price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | durability, price, nice components, great entry level XC bike | | Weaknesses: | weight, i dont quite remember much since i bought it, ive upgraded alot. | | Similar Products Used: | '03 trek 4900, bianchis, raleighs, giants, specializeds, fishers, litespeeds, all sorts of bikes | | Bike Setup: | everything stock except the tires (michelins), grips (Odi lock on), seatpost (no-name thing, last one broke), pedals (eggbeaters(get these, AMAZING)), threw on some cane creak bar ends, Shimano XT frt brake, SRAM chain, XT 9 spd Deraileur, cassette, and shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Very nice to start out, great frame so you can upgrade as you go. go out and buy this bike. now. unless you already have a nicer one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Cross Country Rider
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | R&D | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's Cycle | | Strengths: | Build Quality | | Weaknesses: | Lower-Line OEM Products | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Trek STP 200
2003 Trek 4900
2002 Trek 4500
2002 Trek 4300
| | Bike Setup: | FR: Shimano LX
RD: Shimano XT
Pedals: RE-1 | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
I have put 1,200 miles on this product in less than one year without any problems. It is heavy (30 pounds), and well built. However, the stock drive-train is pure junk, so I changed the FD to Shimano LX and the RD to Shimano XT. In addition, RE-1's have replaced the stock OEM pedals. The aforementioned setup has worked very well, and the component change was well worth it.
The Trek 4900 is a good value, and is holding-up very well. If you want a solid product for between $500-$600, then the Trek 4900 is a tough act to beat.
Thank You
Russ
PS: The 2004 4900 will a use Alpha SL frame, which makes the 4900 an even better value at this price range. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T C
a Weekend Warrior
from poughkeepsie,NY
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hereford park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel and Heel | | Strengths: | All the Bontrager components work great light wieght and strong frame | | Weaknesses: | front shifter, and the seat is terrible | | Similar Products Used: | similiar Treks | | Bike Setup: | shimano clipless pedals, upgraded seat | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. It can take more than most bikes that cost twice as much. Very reliable and manuverable around the tight singletrack of the east coast. The frame is super light and hasnt broke yet despite some harsh rides. TREK RULES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a
from new jersey
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | marty's reliable cycle | | Strengths: | this is a great bike overall. Ive had few big problems with it. a few tunes, which is expected, and alot of popped tires. teh bike can take its abuse. It takes its falls without showing the agony of the drop. | | Weaknesses: | as i said way back on 8\5\01 this saddle sucks. i broke the one i bought and im back to this old piece. | | Similar Products Used: | a whole lot of hard tails, and a few fulls | | Bike Setup: | all stock cept new tires cause i killed teh other ones after two years of hard riding | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike. as i said back in 2001, i still want some new brakes and shock on this thing, but ive recently realized i am way to cheap to do that. ive done alot of riding with this bike and had few problems. my most recent was the chain breaking, but that was yesterday, so the thing jsut took too much and died. i would suggest this bike to anyone. it can take whatever you give it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sal valgoi
a Weekend Warrior
from detroit
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | island lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | point cycle | | Strengths: | frame, rims, shock | | Weaknesses: | drive train | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher tassajara | | Bottom Line: | chris platz is gay | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from IL
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kickapoo (only real one I've been on) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Good bike for the price.l | | Weaknesses: | Tires! Supposedly they're decent, but I thought that they were horrible. Also the seat is very, very, very uncomfortable. Grips slide off. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first bike! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except some richey pedals, geax blade front tire, panaracer fire xc rear | | Bottom Line: | Well here it is: This is the first "bike" that I've ever owned (aside from the usual huffy). I did a little racing for my university on it. But mostly I just take it once a week out to the local mtn bike trails. Although I keep seeing others with nicer bikes, I remind myself that it is not all necessary. I believe that the rider makes the ride, not the bike. So overall I think that this bike is good enough for most riders. No problems with it at all. The best bicycle quote ever, "for all those weight freaks, that need to spend all the extra cash on the lightest parts....just lose a couple pounds" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodales | | Strengths: | Light, looks good, wheelset | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | Replaced bar and stem with Titec clipless pedals Soon xt front derailleur | | Bottom Line: | quality bike for the money except for the front derailleur | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a
from lewiston,newyork,USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ...The bank... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert's Bikes and Fitness | | Strengths: | -Frame
-Wide bars
-The stickers on the frame | | Weaknesses: | -Fork
-Drivetrain (derailleurs, cranks, chainrings etc.)
-grips - i didn't like 'em | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 6000 - previous bike. | | Bike Setup: | 4900 frame, xt derailleurs, truvativ hussefelt A2A cranks, avid disc and levers,XT disc/sun ds-2 wheels. | | Bottom Line: | i love the frame, it is super strong and pretty light. the fork blows...im into trials and the darn promax brakes went to be replaced by the avid discs...new truvativ cranks for the bashguard and strength...overall a good bike to begin with, though i would expect better fork and maybe better derailleurs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Meyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, Va.~USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | on Ebay | | Strengths: | price and frame, it is light and strong, will take a beating | | Weaknesses: | the rider, the bike will take care of anyone | | Similar Products Used: | trek, and gt lowenders | | Bike Setup: | all xtr components, wheels are xt's, saddle is a Performance contour, topo
petals with toe clips and straps. handle bar is 1 1/2 rise and titec 120 stem. tires are a medium tread continental | | Bottom Line: | nice used 4900, with all shimano xtr up grades, I added, a manitou 6 fork, new saddle, rock shox stem, and xtr calipers
all the other xtr was on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Hauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Landahl | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Harley's (Huchinson Kansas) | | Strengths: | Nice Frame, no complaints. Has held up through some wicked crashes. | | Weaknesses: | Weak components: Need to upgrade a lot of them. The frame alone makes it worth the investment. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous bike: 1999 Gary Fisher Marlin (rigid fork) | | Bike Setup: | upgrades: LX cranks and new BB, Easton EA50 Stem and flat bar, teflon coated cables, LX front derailler.
Soon to upgrade: XT rear derailler, LX shifter/brake lever combo, 9 speed cassette, Duke fork | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money.
With all the stores online, it is easy to find great deals on components to upgrade to mid-high range quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Forrest Pengra
a Racer
from East Lansing, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer, MI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Velocipede | | Strengths: | Climbs well... I really like the wheels that came on it (Bontrager Corvair). Corners and Jumps EXCELLENT! | | Weaknesses: | Derailers suck. I had problems with my front and rear for quite a while. I finally have the front adjusted nicely. One day my rear came apart and I lost a pully... so that was a great excuse to put on an XTR rear derailer. Havn't had any probs. yet. The RockShox Judy TT on the other hand will be replaced this week. I weigh 140lbs and I EASILY bottom this thing out. Probably from over use though (needs a new spring). | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 only upgrade thus far is the XTR rear. However, am ordering the Rockshox Duke Race to replace Judy TT. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE FOR THE PRICE!!! My only complaint is probably the derailers. The fork was fine in the beginning but like I said earlier.... I wore it out.
All in all.... Great value for the weekend warrior and beginning competitor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a Downhiller
from new westminster, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all technical trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$534.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps | | Strengths: | shocks, frame = Light&Strong, rear shifters, tires grip well, Brakes Stop on a dime when going down hill on or off road. and very esthetically pleasing | | Weaknesses: | I bent the front rim the 2nd day i had the bike, the seat is painfull, my feet slip off the peddles (which is why my rim bent), and the disc brakes don't grip enough for my liking (I'm starting to do Trials riding though) | | Similar Products Used: | enough to know basics | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 disc =stock (soon to get hydrolic brakes, new seat , Rhino Lite rims, new pedals and front casset) | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike to death. the suspention works great, the bike turns with on a dime, the only time i notice any problums with the front shifter is when i dont shift it all the way (I'm used to Quick Shift and this bike has Rapid Fire shifting). If my foot didn't slip off the pedal than my foot woulden't have got cought in the spokes of my front tire and i wouldent have bent my rim, however , it was fixed for free.:-) The disc brakes are ultra smooth, however, because im learning to do trials riding i wish the brakes would lock the tires up with less effort. I guess the'll just have to do for now; I'm pretty sure getting them tuned up again will help lots (or maybe im expecting too much from 6" cable disc's). unless you buy the bike from Toys-R-Us than you will have an awsome experience with this bike. I recomend it to all. the brakes squeel with light braking but thats to be expected of all brakes let alone discs. Just as a general warning , if your planing on rideing this bike on road in the rain, you should know that these tires pump massive amounts of water into your face. I've never experienced that with knobbies before to such an extent. the Judy TT shocks will fit at least a 2.6" tire and you should have no problum with a 2.4 or a 2.5 in the back. the bike fits me well. I'm a 6'1" 140lbs on a 16.5" frame and its worked awsome (i need such a small frame size because of the north shore riding). This is a great bike for a beginner and a moderatly advanced riding, however, iwould upgrade the front deraler, chain ring, seat, rims, and peddles before doing anything absolutely hard core. as for the frame, it has a life time warranty so go out , ride hard, and have fun!
Because of the uncomfortable seat, the peddles and my dissapointment with the brakes I rate the bike 4/5
WARNING: Make sure you tighten the screws down tight on the front and back discs before you ride. when i got my bike the screws that held the disc to the hub were not even finger tight! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles West | | Strengths: | Light Weight Alpha Frame, 24-speeds, Judy TT shock, FAST!, disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Front derailuer bugs the hell out of me. Seat is horrible. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, F/R fenders, Fireballs Sports | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, but the seat had to go and the front derailuer is hard to adjust. Fast going up hills and the brakes are good for stopping! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Nacogdoches
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light
Durable | | Weaknesses: | The fork (Judy C) that comes on the bike sucks. I upgraded to a Manitou X-vert and am much happier. The wheels also are kind of weak. I upgraded to sun wheels with Hayes hubs. Much better now. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but with new wheels and new shock. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike for the money. I ride 10-15 miles a day and 5 - 6 days a week and have not had any trouble with the bike. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to buy a quality hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the illegal one | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$604.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft Chester | | Strengths: | rear derailer, frame, handle bar, wheelset, seatpost, light | | Weaknesses: | saddle (ouch),pedals, cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Almost everything is stock 'cept for the tires, cuz i couldn't stand the jones acs any longer so i got panaracers, I put splined Lx Hollotech cranks and a new bb, and clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bang for the buck. Though it's not the lightest out there, and the fork isn't the greatest, it's a great riding bike and is worthy of pretty much anything. I have been riding it almost nonstop for the last six months and nothing has broken. The wheelset is the best part, though the name brand stem, seatpost, and handlebar might fool others into buying it. If you are looking for a bike that can handle moderate abuse and won't break down, even if you beat the crap outta it, the Trek 4900 is the one to choose. Just replace that seat and fork! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Butch
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$308.00 | | Purchased At: | Village cycle | | Strengths: | Has held up well with daily use (50% road 50% trail) It feels right, I don't like the new up-right posistion a lot of bikes have. | | Weaknesses: | Could be a bit lighter. Saddle is just uncomfortable. Tried to get use to it, but after a month put my old one on. Bontanger tires pack up bad. Even on wet hard-pack they just fill up. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 900 | | Bike Setup: | stock execpt saddle and peddels. | | Bottom Line: | Th fron derailer cabel streached so much in the first week I couldn't even get in top ring holding the shifter in. Reset the cabel twice and now it's working fine. This bike dosen't seem to need 1/4 the adjustments that the old one did. Just clean it, lube it up, and go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kris
a Weekend Warrior
from tyler,tx
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Simpson's | | Strengths: | The weight and nimbleness | | Weaknesses: | front derailer, seat | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Specialized GT | | Bottom Line: | This is a great 1st bike.I bought 2 one for my wife and I , we are both real happy with them. I would recommend getting clipless as soon as possible and get rid of that thing Bontrager calls a seat(ouch)! No problems with the bike itself it's a lot of fun because of it's nimble handleing and reliabilty. Out of all the bikes we tried in this price range this was by for the best feeling of them all hands down. Hope this helps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tilson | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | The Sports Shop | | Strengths: | I love this bike, the shock works good, it can take a beating and still work. I feel very secure on this bike | | Weaknesses: | None Really, because i also do a lot of just city riding i got a nicer seat and a quick release for the bike seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Fuji | | Bottom Line: | If you want a good bike in tis price range - buy it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a
from jax
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion cycling | | Strengths: | nice frame, like the tires, brakes are awsome, an alaround good bike. | | Weaknesses: | pedals/cranks, shock makes a ton of noise, hard seat, adn rims bend easy but if you learn to true them up at www.mountainbike.com adn go to help under weels/tires its not that bad. all these things don't add up to muck though | | Similar Products Used: | schuinn mesa gsx | | Bike Setup: | stock except i'm going to reglace pedals | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money adn youi get a name brand which i think is a plus. every body omplains about why they would put acera adn deore together but how often to u use the front!!! i don't thing it's that tough though. the biggest jumps i do are three feet because i think i'm going to bend the tires like a pretsal or something although i might be wrong because i never tried it. i am satisfied with the bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ...the one Im on | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | RacePace Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame, Stem, Bars, Wheels | | Weaknesses: | Everything else is pretty lame....if you ride hard | | Bottom Line: | The first thing replaced was cranks...the lame shimanos bent in the first month...Trek Replaced them and I trashed that set in two weeks...Trek sent me some Icons and a new BB which have lasted. But the new 2002 4900 come w/nicer cranks from the get go...beat the hell outta these wheels!! Did alot of 4ft drops...and a few 5ft ers...just needed re-tentioning and slight trueing...but GOOD! I was suprised....The JudyTT doesent have rebound control...so its like riding a jack hammer...Upgraded to a ManitouSXR much nicer...Just be aware of your riding style befor you buy a bike...if you ride hard and hit alot of jumps/stairs...get XT level parts minimum... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelvin
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any hiking trail (Seashore State Park) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | North End Cyclery | | Strengths: | Everything!!!! Lightweight, Sweet brakes when paired with the Hayes HMX-1 discs, Awesome color scheme (red, silver and black), Great customer service from Trek. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur!!!!!! Seat is a little hard. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Only added some Specialized clipless pedals and a spedo. More to come. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Only thing I can complain about is the front derailleur. I have to make adjustments every 40 miles or so. After a while, I just keep it in “2” on the front and shift with the rear. That seems like the norm for this model. The Bontrager Jones tires are ok but I will upgrade next season. Maybe some Specialized S-Works. Other than that, this bike is great. I haven’t had an ounce of trouble out of it. It can take anything you give it and still keep going. The brakes alone should make you take a hard look at this bike if you are not looking to spend a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$413.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels | | Strengths: | Great bike
Light weight
Fits well
Good gearing | | Weaknesses: | Front derailler sucks
Bad seat | | Similar Products Used: | Trek '99 820 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Deore front derailler and wildgripper city tires
| | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike weighs nothing easy to move quickly. Went down a hill and made it to 44mph just coasting. Buy one, DO NOT BUY A SCHWINN OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, they suck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Zidak
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any one I can ride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tec's | | Strengths: | Adjustable RS Judy C, Deore Rear Derailler | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized StumpJumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike is only a few days old. It is a 2002, has Alivio front, Deore rear derailler and Shifters, Bontrager Crowbar 5 degree rise bars, Bontrager Cranks, seatpost, Bontrager Corvair rims, Bontrager Jones AC tires. Starry Night color scheme makes it one sweet looking bike. So far it takes a beating no problem...
Perfect bike for anyone on a limted budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Wishart
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any rockwood park trail, single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Alternatives | | Strengths: | Nice light fork, light frame, tough bike, the shocks are really nice, I love the handle bar design, rear derailler | | Weaknesses: | The brakes are a little weak but nothing real bad, front derailler shifts funny sometimes, seat is comfy but bug and ugly, the stock tires, rims and pedals are a real pain in the ass | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A very sweet bike especially for the money, at first when I started riding it I didn't think it was me and then I worked it in into my baby, smooth ride on the trails, The rims have really been bent out of shape, which kinda pisses me off, but I have been doin some urban stuff too. With a few upgrades this bike will be a very sweet ride, it's mainly the little things that are the problem too. So that's not too bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from lufkin,tx,usa
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Martin Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Simpson Sports | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, shock, durability. | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailler, tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. The Bontrager tires are thin and seem to catch every thorn on the trail. I've switched to Velociraptors with slime tubes and hope that helps to solve the problem. Also, I'm 6'2" and 210 lbs and the bike seems to hold up well no matter how many times I crash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from White Plains NY, USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The one by me! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Tarrytown Cycles | | Strengths: | Very light, great tread on tires! Comfortable grips, nicely spaced. Judy's do the job just fine. | | Weaknesses: | Poor stock tire tube, blew out over a small jump. Shifting a bit slow, and adjustments needed often it seems like. Decent seat, not a bad thing, but not the best. Slow on road, but who rides rodes? | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M-80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I like it! It's nasty off road, and takes jumps with ease for me. I rode a Gary Fisher Tassajara and even though I rode it only on the road, I didn't quite like the sluggish feel of it. Bottom line is, the Trek is awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any up hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Yokohama | | Strengths: | Back shifter very smooth. Frame looks and is very strong, and LIGHT. Judy TT Shocks are OK. Accelerates easily. | | Weaknesses: | Front shifter does not work smooth. | | Similar Products Used: | No, I have used a racer 10 years ago. | | Bike Setup: | My bike is 27 gear, not 24 (i guess this is standard trek 4900 in Japan). | | Bottom Line: | I was really amazed when I saw my bike first time: What a frame. The pictures on internet or catalogs do not display it so good, but, when you see the real thing, the first thing you notice is the thickness of the frame bars. I could understand then why they call them "oversized". But still very light! When you compare with many other mountain bikes you see everyday on the street, you will feel that you are riding something sturdy.
4300 and 4500 have the same frame. If you ride on street, only go by 4500, even 4300. Wanna jump little bit? Then buy 4900. The bikes 4300, 4500 and 4900 all seem to have good price/performance ratio. The more you pay the better quality parts you buy, and the longer they last. Depends on your budget for the bike.
I am happy with my bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
runeaed
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | united cycle | | Strengths: | well integrated frame and components, rigid frame, wheels have taken some pretty good shots and survived, likewise the RS Judy shocks - which have the absorbed the same. | | Weaknesses: | selle san marco saddle (butt numbing on longer rides), low end crankset and front derailleur. | | Similar Products Used: | Falcon mtb and sekine road bike | | Bike Setup: | upgraded seat to Terry Liberator. upgrading front crank to Shim hollow tech lx, xt derailleur, lx shifters. I'm 6'1", 190 lbs riding on a 21" frame - perfect fit for me. | | Bottom Line: | Overall not bad for the money - the parts work well together except for a couple of really low end pieces- hence the downgraded value rating i.e. the front crank and derailleur combo really doesn't shift very well - dealer has adjusted it a couple of times and its still pretty sloppy particularly in upshift (even at little or no load). Despite the lukewarm review, have had quite a bit of fun with it on a couple of local trails and on the Canmore to Banff loop. The RockShox Judys held up pretty well. The slow acting drive train is the main weakness there.
I would recommend this as an entry to mid level machine that can you can bash around a fair bit but doesn't break. Would have rated it higher overall if it was used primarily for less challenging applications like city commute. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
swarup swaminathan
a Cross Country Rider
from new jersey
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | i like riding on the trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | toys r us | | Strengths: | it rides ok (not) | | Weaknesses: | Had to upgrade seat/post. Front wheel is dificult to take off. crappy fork very heavy,chain really stinks,grips are bad,weight,im trading the bike in for a better one (upgrade)asap | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | save your money this is coming straight from swarup | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron Scott Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from St Petersburg, FL USA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Flatwoods, Tampa FL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Dud Thames, Tampa Fl | | Strengths: | Front Shock and forks haven't bent or broke yet (I've been hard on them on previous bike) Ease of real derailer makes shifting nice, Light in comparison to last bike. Good brakes and Shifting components, great entry level bike for an over 200lb guy. | | Weaknesses: | Had to upgrade seat/post. Front wheel is dificult to take off for truck rack carrier installing. Handle bar could use an upper sloping swing like the Specialized series | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized comparable level bike | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock, added a shock seat post and new seat. | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a entry level tuff bike at a good price and you are hard on bikes this seems to have held up so far. I have taken it on some pretty good mtn trails including down hill and stumps. Handled well in all situations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Cycle Surgery, UK | | Strengths: | Frame, good features sets for price | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur, fork | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike, first bike I have had in years. I am having huge problems with the front derailleur unfortunately, it does not like to change, especially going up hill under load. Have a free service in first four weeks from Cycle Surgery. Also had a few problems on the rear derailleur where shifting in mid range is troublesome but again hoping to resolve this in a service. A little heavy but upgrading is possible so the weight can come off. Will probably change the rims and tyres to a more road friendly set for higher speed. Good starter bike at its price point and I think you'll struggle to find a bike in the same price point that matches its features. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cap'n. Jacks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Criterium | | Strengths: | Solid frame. Disc brakes work well, but squeal until they warm up (weird). | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur is wack. Stock seat had to go. Rattles like no one's business on small/medium bumps. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This was a great "learning bike"! Price wasn't too bad and the bike held up rather well. Other than the rattles, I rather enjoyed taking this bike out on a daily basis. If I wouldn't have gotten a FS bike, I would have upgraded the shifter pods, front derailleur, and front shock. They are entry-level, but work well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trip
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorne Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Beacon Cycling | | Strengths: | I like most everything about the bike. The rear deraileur shifts very well under load. | | Weaknesses: | Seems like I have to adjust the brakes a lot. Front deraileur won't shift under much load. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike. I am fairly new to mountain biking, so I didn't want to go overboard on price. I am very happy with this purchase. I've been riding about twice a week all summer, on some pretty rugged trails. I haven't had any real trouble or breakdowns. I highly recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Sholl
a Weekend Warrior
from Findlay, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mohican Reservation | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Werks | | Strengths: | Great Bike for the big guys! I am 6'4" & 260, and I have not broken her yet. Fork soaks it up. Great value. Not so expensive that you are afraid to abuse it. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy seat. Broke it on my first hard ride. Grips are cheap too. Fork is a little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Nome | | Bike Setup: | Added clipless. Put on a real seat & grips | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for those wanting to tear it up without bleeding from the wallet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jukt
a Cross Country Rider
from easton md usa
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tuckahoe park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | easton cycle & sport | | Strengths: | selle san marco seat, 24 speed acera, pro max brakes
bontrager jones ac 49/54 tires eat sand up | | Weaknesses: | road bike frame | | Similar Products Used: | none, old fuji road bike | | Bike Setup: | judy tt 5 degree crowbar | | Bottom Line: | good xc bike. i ride mostly double trax, very few hills on eastern shore. seems like the right bike for my 220 lbs.
judy tt fork mushy, like it is supposed to be, and low maintenance 2.
with the trek warranty, how can u lose ?
nice xc bike, just above entry level. all i need. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Machesney Park,IL,USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Rockford Bike CO | | Strengths: | Shox,Shifters,Light Weight Durable Frame,strong rims,great traction tires, and like the 27 gears | | Weaknesses: | The seat started moven back and forth the 2nd day but Rockford bike switch it out for a better one right away | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon SE | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its an Awsome BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt godfrey
a Weekend Warrior
from penticton, bc, canada
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | jerry mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike barn | | Strengths: | responsive fork, strong brakes(disc model), great on small drops and fairly light.
great component selection | | Weaknesses: | the discs sqeaked a little when light pressure was applied | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500, norco charger, kona nunu | | Bike Setup: | good | | Bottom Line: | great value and a good mid-level bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Garvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt.Laurel NJ
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rancocas St. Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Rock solid frame, great geometry, very comfortable ride.
Front forks are a bit heavy but they are indestructible. | | Weaknesses: | Average mechanicals, heavy forks, stiff seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested gary Fisher, Kona, and Schwinn in similar price range. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except gel seat | | Bottom Line: | The bike is extremely comfortable to ride once you replace the seat. The brakes, shifters and derailers are average to good in the price range. I am 6-1" and 195lbs and the bike fits like glove. Best overall fit for my body of anything I tested. The frame and wheels are light and very tough. I have dropped from well over 3 feet and crashed often, and can't seem to hurt it. The 80mm Judy is a little nose heavy but absorbs a lot of energy. Overall the bike is a 4 out 5. At a little over 500$ is a solid comfortable entry level performer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from New jersey
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | marty's reliable cycle | | Strengths: | nice bike... takes all i give it and all my friend can give it... easily takes 3ft drop at end of my driveway. | | Weaknesses: | crappy saddle (so i upgraded it) having trouble shifting even after a tuneup. heavy and way to forgiving shocks. upgrading those to some phylos. i want so wider wheels for more traction. v brakes are nice but i want some nice hydro disks. coulda bought it with disks but they were mechanical...crap... | | Similar Products Used: | giant bikes, specialized rockhoppers and hard rocks, garyfisher big sur and some other gary fisher. couple of fulls, raliegh m8000, jamis dakar comp | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for saddle i want some nice hydros and some new shocks | | Bottom Line: | nice bike. heavy shocks. get better brakes. upgrade the shocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from hutchinson,Kansas,united states
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | cross countrytrails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | bikes for the price | | Strengths: | it rides ok, | | Weaknesses: | crappy fork very heavy,chain really stinks,grips are bad,weight,i get a tune up every week im trading the bike in for a better one (upgrade)asap | | Similar Products Used: | none i have tried much better bikes than this trek | | Bottom Line: | the bike really stinks i wouldnt buy it if i was you. save your money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stik boy
a Racer
from northern ill
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | trek | | Strengths: | a relatively inexpensive bike that rides & can be beat like
a more expensive bike. handling. | | Weaknesses: | stock seat, chain, grips......i.e, where trek cut the cost.
easily changable items to something you may prefer anyway.sometimes wont hold a gear. | | Similar Products Used: | name a trek mt bike & ive ridden it. | | Bike Setup: | changed seat, grips, chain. next is shifting. | | Bottom Line: | other similarly priced bikes dont stand a chance. you can use & abuse this bike & it keeps coming back for more. i recommend dropping the extra $ for the disk brake model,(even though its a mechanical system, & not hydraulic) it has been a low maintenance ride for me so far. trek bikes kick ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Cross Country Rider
from glasgow
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | glen tress | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | alpine bikes (glasgow) | | Strengths: | good frame, flung this thing up and down many a hill, crashed once or 20 times and it's still a beast. shimano bits | | Weaknesses: | heavy forks but still work well. kinda cheapo brakes | | Similar Products Used: | now got a cannondale F900 :) | | Bike Setup: | store except i added shimano clipless | | Bottom Line: | good bike to start you off, you can do lot's on this bike but for the serious stuff you're probably better off getting a slightly better bike. that's not to say it's not good, it is...but you'll feel the weight of it on big climbs. if you're new to XC then buy this bike but if you can afford it go for a better bike if poss. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Marr
a Weekend Warrior
from Prairie Vilage Kansas
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$609.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike America | | Strengths: | Tires are great on the new 2002 ...nice Rockshox Judy and Shimano breaks. There are disk break mounts for later placement. Nice Lite Alpha Auluminum Frame,can't brake it. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper Specialized A1 FS | | Bottom Line: | Great bike with a reasnable price for all begnner riders, Well equiped and nice features. TrEK ALL THE WAy. this bike should give you the confidence you need for al trails to come!! Thank you Trek yet another happy Customer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dror
a Weekend Warrior
from Herzliya
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Kol Noa | | Strengths: | Deore, This bike came with 27 gears. The trek website describes them as 24 gear bike. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing except for MY Chain... Shimano, I hope that it was a bad luck. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stoke | | Bottom Line: | They are good bikes and seem to be well equiped. Good model and good service. A busted chain on the first ride. It was fixed by the local service and the black pin replaced. Second ride... You are right, A Busted chain. The chain was replaced this time - no questions asked, It would have been nice if they would have said that they are sorry.
They said that these things happen and thet I should not be worried about it. Well I lost a bit of riding confidence :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny Kite
a Weekend Warrior
from Bakersfield, Ca, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Toad's Run | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Action Sports | | Strengths: | Light frame, responisve, long travel on forks, geometry, Deore rear derrailer, long top tube...i could win a bike throw over anybody my size | | Weaknesses: | Crappy stock saddle....so i changed it out, shocks have long travel (80mm) but are weigh to forgiving....not to mention weighty, short stock stem....so i switched it out too | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Escape 7.2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock...except i switched for clipless pedals, a new saddle, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This bike is good for the weekly rider, or upstart racer.....the quality of Trek makes for a comfortable yet fast ride.....i would recommend changing the saddle but overall this is a great bike for its price...and just a great bike overall.TREK forever baby!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob Brennan
a Weekend Warrior
from ST. John's, NF, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Canary Cycles | | Strengths: | Deore shifter, Disc Brake option, Frame, Good tires and rims. | | Weaknesses: | Acera front shifter, seat. After 3 months of riding one of the allen bolts in my disc brake came loose and made a nasty cut in the brake hanger. Canary took care of me though, great service. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, 6900 from a few years ago. | | Bike Setup: | Added bar ends, chain stay protector, looking to replace front acera with a deore for more acurate shifting. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. Took the disc brake option cuz i could afford it. Tested a few bikes from specialized and cannondale but found the trek to be the most comfortable for my frame (6'3" 230). It's had great response on street and trails, and lived through lots of abuse. recomend 4900 to anyone looking for a good bike under a grand. Great value so 5 Chilis, but the front shifter and uncomfortable seat don't quite grab 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Grandville Schwinn | | Strengths: | I think it is a good combination of Price/performance for the avearge rider that wants a bike for both x/c and some ocassional intermediate mountain biking. Actually this bike can probably handle a lot more abuse than I will give it! | | Weaknesses: | I replaced the seat. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried a lot of bikes out. I like the Trek's the best. It was between the 4500 for $375 and the 4900 for $475. I wanted the upgrade on the shock, tires, shifter, pedals on the 4900. Also tried the Giant Iguana, Specialized Rockhopper. The Trek just seemed to fit me better. I wanted the upgrade's over the 4500 because I thought it would be better able to handle my weight (220 lbs.). | | Bike Setup: | I had the bike shop install a more upright handlebar post. I'm 6'5" and the original post had me bent over too much. Especially X/C riding. When mountain bikiing I'll use my bar ends when I need to get lower. | | Bottom Line: | I've only had it for a little while. I am very pleased with the purchase. Give it a try if you are considering a mountain bike for less than $500. My opinion: This bike cannot be beat in that price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Turpin
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ipswich Chesapeake VA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Strong light framework. Really comfortable ergonomics. | | Weaknesses: | Crankset and shifters are a little weak and need alot of tweaking. | | Bike Setup: | My bike has a 2000 Rock shock sid XC front fork with bontrager downhill crowbar h.bars. shiman deore shiftset. and rolf 16 spoke carbon wheels with kevlar bead vittoria evo 190's street and trail tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a very solid fast ride! I have had the enjoyement of many jumps, trails, and beach rides plus I can jump on the street and feel completely at home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Virant
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Puck and Pedal | | Strengths: | This bike gives you tremendous courage on any trail you throw at it. Fortunately I have not experienced any problems as other riders have. The Bontrager tires give you a fast solid rides on dirt, gravel, or pavement. The standard grips are weak and tend to twist in your hands. The brakes work very well, especially after the initial break in period. The oversized frame is very light and durable thus far. The overall consensus is confidence.
| | Weaknesses: | Grips, rear derailer is a little sluggish on the fly but satisfactory. | | Bike Setup: | Standard. Plus added profile bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a bargain and a winner the Trek 4900 is the way to go. This bike is durable enough for the hard core rider, and comfortable enough for the weekend warrior. You will be satisfied with this bike. It is race ready and a madman | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tomer
a Weekend Warrior
from israel
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | single track bet oren, israel | | Strengths: | grip, weight, geometry | | Weaknesses: | gear shifts | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I really love those bikes they never let you down on hard trails and the riding position is good for me since im 202 Cm tall
For that price tag you can not ask for more.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trey
a Cross Country Rider
from edmond
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's (they suck) | | Strengths: | bars, stem ,and seatpost all by bontrager, frame made in U.S. and butted | | Weaknesses: | weight, brakes could be better, chain | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | bontrager fs200 seat, psylo xc, bontrager comp cranks, lx f/d, and oury grips that beat the crap out of the stock oasis ones | | Bottom Line: | i've raced 5 times and ridden hundreds of miles on this bike and have had few problems. The chain broke the first race and the stock tubes were flats in no time, but after that there were no more mechanincal break downs. this is almost the best bike in this price range so it gets 5 chilis for that but not having a rear disc tab was a really stupid move by trek. If i had to get a new bike in that same price range again i'd go with a gary fisher b/c of the rear disc tab, and it's practically the same bike. And the psylo xc makes the ride at least 2 times more comfortable and it looks awesome. Anyone who is on a budget and looking to begin racing should seriously consider this bike (as long as they never want a rear disc brake). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kwabert
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellicott City
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | avalon Patapsco Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | College Park Bicycles | | Strengths: | Good fork and light weight and good brakes | | Weaknesses: | Need Tune-up every week. Bad Seat...hurts my butt. Got 2 flat tires in less than 10 days. Seat Post broke after 3 weeks. Chains are rusting up after 3 weeks even after lubing them once every week. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike..only when it's working properly though. I had to take it back to the shop 4 times already because of problems. Seems like every time i ride, i need to get a tune-up because everything gets messed up (gears, brakes, etc). Good thing College Park Bicycles offer lifetime tune-ups, or i'd be screwed! Maybe I should have gotten a higher model bike though. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Tupper Lake, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Viking Ski And Cycle | | Strengths: | Every Thing, Comfortable Seat, Sweet Handle Bars and sweet oasis grips. Very Very Comfortalbe. Judy TT Fork with 88mm travel. | | Weaknesses: | NONE WHAT SO EVER. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 4100 disc, Trek 4500. Trek 4900 beats these incredibuly. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This Bike Kicks Ass For the price range. It is a wonderful bike. It handles awesome on all kinds of terrain. I highly recommend this bike for anyone who is in to racing or just wants an incredibly awesome Mountain Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Bishop
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Warda | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Great Frame Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Lower end components than similarly priced competitors. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant: Reiner & Iguana. GT: Marlin. A similarly priced Garyfisher and Schwinn. | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Bontager Race lite handle bars and saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has the best riding position of any bike in its price range. It has a longer top tube for a more aggressive ride. If you like to race but don't have a lot of money this is your bike. The Giant Reiner and Iguana have better components but they have a weird upright riding position with a short top tube that makes it hard to generate power. The components have help up so far but they will need to be upgraded. If you are a casual rider and you are just looking for the best components in this price range try the Iguana or Reiner. However, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable on the bike. So, give this one a try you might fall in love with it like I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Madtom
a Cross Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Peaksview Park, Lynchburg, VA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited, Lynchburg, VA | | Strengths: | This bike has a light but sturdy frame coupled with quality components. Add a painless pricetag and you've got a helluva deal! | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur won't shift under ANY load. The Shimano IG chain sucks! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for front derailleur and chain upgrades. I also added profile design bar ends and clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! With minimal upgrades I've found an affordable bike that will handle anything I throw at it. I usually ride singletrack and this thing rides like it's glued to the trail. Every now and then I see a drop or a section of uncharted trail that I can't resist and I can't seem to hurt my TREK. I'm sold. Even my 6 year old rides TREK! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Wiesmann
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort.Atkinson
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | John Muir Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$528.00 | | Purchased At: | Micheals Cycles | | Strengths: | Great bike, no problems at all the best bike i have every owned. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 single track | | Bottom Line: | The bike is the best for the money I looked at other like it and this one just seemed to fit me and has everything that I need. I do mostly hilly rocky trails because thats all that near my area and this bike works great for that type of terrain and makes hill climbing much easier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abhi Visuvasam
a Weekend Warrior
from Howell, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Beacon Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Affordable...Quality components...Sturdy construction...True entry-level MTB...Stiff chassis...pretty light for the price...Cool Black Color! | | Weaknesses: | Noisy derailer...Uncomfortable seat....Uncomfortable seat...Uncomfortable seat! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike for the price. I tried a few bikes in the $400 range and a few bikes in the $800 range. This bike blew away the $400 bikes, no surprise. But the real surprise came when I compared it to the $800+ bikes. This one just seemed to have the right fit and feel. Even after adjusting the more expensive bikes, I didn't quite get the same feedback and response that I got from the 4900. I am new to mountain biking, but I can safely say that this bike is well worth the money. In the $500-$800 range of bikes available, give this one a shot...you might just fall in love with it and also save a bunch of money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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