Submitted by
Slowrider5
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN Date Reviewed: October 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Nebo Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Garage Indy
Strengths:
Solid frame, good shifting components.
Weaknesses:
Tires
Bottom Line:
Used this bike for 2 years before it was stolen. Overall, I was pretty happy with it upgrading from a 10 yr old Haro Vector MTB. Only complaint was with the tires and rims. I used this bike only slightly harder than my Haro and the rear rim was already slightly bent after < 2 years. I also had 2 flats in that time frame, which is 2 more than I had in 10 years of riding my Haro. I think the stock tires are just too thin. I used this bike successfully on easy to moderate trails in the forests of Indiana and the foothills of Colorado.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vanbo
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, WI Date Reviewed: August 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
tbd
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$520.00
Purchased At:
Backyard Bikes, Whit
Strengths:
Great geometry, shorter wheelbase than rockhopper, meaning you sit a little more upright--which fits me great. Shifting is smooth as silk and quick, and bike feels very light and responsive. Dart 3 has been fine for me thus far.
Weaknesses:
stock seat is not great.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback Ascent (1991)
Bike Setup:
19.5" frame, all stock except Specialized BG2 saddle
Bottom Line:
Awesome 'beginner' MTB bike, have been riding about 50/50 trails and road, and the bike is very comfortable, responsive, and solid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
w1004239
a Weekend Warrior
from River Falls, WI Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kinnicinic
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$530.00
Purchased At:
Penn Cycle
Strengths:
For being 6'6" the 24" frame is great. I tried many bikes including Specialized 29ers. I rode the Rockhopper expert 29er with a 23" frame right before I bought the 4500. The 4500 was more comfortable and a lot quicker off the start. Typical of 26er vs. 29er. The frame is very light. Not a huge fan of Dart 3, and it would be nice to have disc brakes for show purposes, but v brakes perform just as well unless your rims get mud on them. Also looked at the Motobecanes from Bikesdirect.com. I was close to pulling the trigger on the Fantom 29pro for the sweet specs, but the price and geometry of the trek was too hard to pass up. This bike dominates.
Weaknesses:
Could use some higher quality components, but can't complain too much for the price since the frame is the lightest aluminum frame I saw.
standard with upgraded seat to gel seat for comfort.
Bottom Line:
love it so far, this bike dominates my 2002 Specialized hardrock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MichaelJK
a Cross Country Rider
from Brantford, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very light frame, the Deore shifters are very quick and do not skip. The lockout on the Dart 3 is very convenient and I've had no problems with the bike for the duration I've used it.
Weaknesses:
If you put too much preassure on the front Cassette, it can skip every once in a while, but that's only if you're on highest gear and trying to start peddling once stoppped.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for rims, changed to Alienation Regulars.
Bottom Line:
Very good bike for XC riders and for Weekend Warriors, the frame is a very big change from my other frame, it's very light and takes any thing you throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yeti2424
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheeler Dealer
Strengths:
Inexpensive
Well Made
Good Frame
Good base to upgrade over time.
Weaknesses:
Saddle
Tires
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
As of now everything is stock but the saddle
Bottom Line:
Been cruising 50/50 dirt/pavement since I got it. I originally was looking at a 4300 but was unable to get a 24in frame in that model and was forced to upgrade to the 4500. Except for the color I am glad that I did. All parts are well made, it's handled a couple of spills without any issues, and it's supporting my 6ft6in 225# body just fine. By the other reviews I was worried about the Dart3 suspension but have not had any problems with that at all. The lockout makes tranitioning from street to trail that much easier. If you are getting into the cycling, want something that is well made, and do not want to spend $1000 on a bicycle then this is your ticket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
larryj
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: April 20, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Very Strong bike. Handles the rough stuff and small jumps well, even at speed. The Judy shocks work well.
Weaknesses:
None - Seems strong everywhere.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to disc brakes (Avid BB); otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
Great bike - very solid feel, and great shifter, even under power. Probably will compete with this bike. The disc brakes are a must, if you're serious, but they do take time learn the feel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
polly-polly
a Cross Country Rider
from Poland Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Hola,
Just started looking for a new bike and came across that one:
http://www.ssc.pl/2007/
I like it a lot, had a test ride, there is just one thing that I would like to clarify. The bike I have now is kindo big boy and that one seems much smaller. I am 160 cm tall (approx 5.24 feet) slim, isn't 16" size too small for me?
Thank you in advance for your comments.
Greetings from sunny Poland.
Paulina
Paulina
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Halfrican
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: February 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Sac River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
A&B Cycle
Strengths:
Strong frame, great geometry, good looks!
Weaknesses:
Weak crank, noisy drivetrain
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche, Schwinn Moab
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great beginner bike, I bought this in September and already want to upgrade to full suspension, but because of no fault in the bike! I just want to go faster than the hard tail will allow. Recommended for any entry-level rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wrobo84
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ft. Custer, Battle Creek, MI
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$589.00
Purchased At:
Breakaway Cycles
Strengths:
Great frame strength and platform for its affordability.
Weaknesses:
Some of the stock components that came with the bike were very weak and demanded upgrades such as the cheap Bontrager Saddle, front derailer, RockShox Dart front fork, and pedals.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500
WTB Rocket V Pro Saddle
Shimano 540 Pedals
WTB Velociraptor 2.1's
Bottom Line:
I purchased the 4500 for its frame and ability to upgrade overtime. The frame is constructed of Trek's Alpha Aluminum which remains the same up through the 7000 line. The front fork was the first part to go as the preload locked up. The rails on the saddle bent after about a year of riding. Overall the bike has been great for the price paid. I have put it through 3 years of abuse averaging 800 miles a year, and I plan on continuing to upgrade this bike and to keep it around as my primary hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
weekendwarrior
a Weekend Warrior
from flagstaff, az Date Reviewed: January 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Arizon Trial
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45000.00
Purchased At:
Flagstaff, AZ
Strengths:
solid frame though a bit heavy, rear disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
tires, front fork, chain, front pull brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Rincon by Giant
Bike Setup:
buy at a top line store and have them do the setup and fine tuning before you leave the store with your bike
Bottom Line:
The review by einlanzer on Dec 08 2007 (13 months ago) is right on but I would reccomend replacing the fork especially if you weight over 180lbs. Also, the tires are crap and I would replace them with a pair of expensive Bontrager Jones XR Tubeless Ready $46.99 per tire. Don;t forget the Green Slime. I live in Flagstaff and the pine needles are hell on tires so I always "slime" my tires. Nothing worse than being out on the trail miles from anywhere and having a flat. The 4500 is excellent first bike to build on but udgrading is essential for the long haul.
KH
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Reed
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: November 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Steamers Beach Trail Jarvis Bay
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Clarence Street Cycl
Strengths:
Strong light frame, good handling even with 35kg of touring gear on board plus the 80kg rider, yes I used this bike for a tour of Tibet and Nepal. Everything on the bike was standard, peddles, seat, chain, brakes and derailleur. As i mentioned the only concern was the chain stretch, but having a spare it was no real problem. The bike performed faultlessly throughout the whole two month ride.
Weaknesses:
Chain wear, but that would not be a problem in the normal running of the bike.
Color options for the Australian market, they suck....
Similar Products Used:
Nil, except my mates old banger...
Bike Setup:
Stock standard in almost every way except the touring gear and Continental town and country tyres. Can't comment on standard rubber.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike for all purposes, the bike I ride was put through hell, it performed very very well, we had all kids of terrain to deal with, and the fact it was february made it all the more interesting. The bike I feel, will suite most new riders or experienced riders. Its a fun reliable bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hachaduryan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Braille, Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$530.00
Purchased At:
Village Cycle Sport,
Strengths:
This bike is SOLID! Durable, responsive, very quiet. Some Deore components. The Dart1 Shock does the job for me, but I'm sure there is better.
Weaknesses:
Poor front derailleur! Chain can be very noisy on bumps. Tires have poor traction and control (although I never had a puncture). Seat could be better. The bottom bracket is giving away.
Similar Products Used:
Not worth mentioning.
Bike Setup:
2007 Trek 4500 (red/black), IRC Mythos XC tires, the rest is pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is my first "better" mountain bike and I am very happy with my purchase. It has taken me through a lot and I have never had a problem.
Tires are to be replaced if serious off-road riding is to occur. Seat can definitely (and literally) be a pain in the ass. Good for an beginner/intermediate rider such as myself. Will last a while!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
no name charlie
a Downhiller
from Greeley Co Date Reviewed: July 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Long's Peak in Colorado
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$159.00
Purchased At:
City national Pawn C
Strengths:
Nice and light, very good balance.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000, Raleigh Alum kit, Scott steel
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike from a local Pawnshop at the start of winter in Wyoming. Few people bike in Cheyenne Wyoming for an unknown reason. This bie was brand new or barely rideen for it had no lubricant at all on the chain or other area's. The bie had a price of $329.00 on it and I was determined to buy this bike. After all the haggiling was done it sold for $150.00 plus the tax which I tried to get out of.but could not. The roads in Cheyenne are poorly taken care of. I know little about how bikes are fixed and the other things one should know but I sure do not know. I started biking about 15 yrs ago at the age of 40 and lost a lot of weight,stopped smoking and drinking, and overall stopped all my bad habit's I could not beleive how well I started to feel. My first ride a month later was to the library which is about 2 kilometer's and my butt was really sore. Little by little I learned more and more and I can know jump on any bike and go for fairly long distance's for my age of 55. I peaked at biking about the age of 45,now I go quite a bit slower so IMO if you want to feel better, loose weight, get your wind back I suggest buying a lite bike and little by little you will also start feeling great That's it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AndysTrek
a Cross Country Rider
from E-town, KY Date Reviewed: July 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Otter Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
Etown Schwinn Cycler
Strengths:
Great price with a decently secure hardware package. The frame is light enough for the price and level the bike is at. Very comfortable and throwable on trails. The front shocks are responsive, by no means top teir, but they feel solid and transmit information clearly from the bike.
Weaknesses:
Bont. tires are garbage. Coming from WTB weirwolfs then to these on a stock bike, it was almost frightening. Slightly understandable, when you look at the bike your getting for the price, but i'd just as soon pay an extra 50 bucks coming out the door and have a secure ride.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Warp DS2, Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500
Bottom Line:
I don't ride enough, or well enough, to warrant spending over 900 dollars on a bike. Could have gotten the 4900, might have been a better choice, but the 4500 performs flawlessly. Taken down root/rock filled hills at speed, and evenwith the garbage tires, it responded very well. The Shimano brakes leave a little to be desired, but they work. For the pricetag, they do all they're intended to do.
This is a good example of where the sum of the parts don't do justice to the whole package. Great beginner/intermediate bike that won't kill the savings account, but will offer stable, secure ride over and over. Awesome bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Reid
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Very good value for the dollar! Very capable bike.
Weaknesses:
The bike is an excellent "first bike" to test the waters. It is not high end like the +$2,000 bikes, but durable and capable none the less.
This is a very good value. The bike is more than capable of trail riding or casual bike path cruising. I have had the bike for several years, and other than normal wear and maintenence I have had no issues. If you can find one used I highly recommend that you pick it up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from West Caldwell, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Yellow Trail @ Lewis Morris
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Craft
Strengths:
The frame is awesome withe the black/red color, and is strong too! Rims hold up well. Rear derailer is great. Rock Shox fork is good too.
Weaknesses:
The Bontrager tires are horrible for any type of riding in any conditins. Front derailer is a little weak. I would have rather it have come with disc brakes. The seat is pretty bad.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000, 4300 Disc and many more
Bike Setup:
Stock except for WTB Velociraptor tires
Bottom Line:
Overall, This bike is great. It can handle anything from road, doulbletrack, singletrack, drops, and jumps. I have ridden over 800 miles on this bike so far and all that i replaced were brakepads and tires. Good bike for begginers to intermediate XC riders and beyond!. I would highly recommend getting this bike if you are thinking about it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Delaware Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Middle Run
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line Newark
Strengths:
Frame and components adequate for my kind of riding--mostly leisure and relaxed singletrack. Available in a "Women's Specific Design" style.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shop let us rent by the day, so we tried similar and higher end Treks and Gary Fishers.
Bike Setup:
Stock hardtail.
Bottom Line:
We rode as kids, and decided it was time to come back to bikes now, 40 years later. This model is perfect for novice singletrack; sturdy and simple. The WSD version really does better suit my wife. We ride together easy trails on sunny weekends. We were able to test-ride several styles and chose this one. Didn't need 29 inch wheels, disc brakes, or full suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monty
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Worth Tx Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$529.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop
Strengths:
Very solid.Great feel.This is for the 08 model
Weaknesses:
Tires.The stock tires are the worst tires I have ever used.The back lasted a month.I would try to get a deal on a upgrade at the time of purchase.Other than that none.
Similar Products Used:
Dept store bikes.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500 have upgrade wheels,brakes,tires and shocks.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the price.Would probly want to upgrade if you get more serious.The 6000 would work better if you can afford it.But because of the paint scheme I have no regrets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Hoffmeyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Houghton, Michigan US Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
cross country sports
Strengths:
I have been riding this bike for 3 years and have only replaced the tires and brake pads. This bike has seen its fair share of jumps. Not a good bike for jumping I'm told. It sucks for pop but can clear a 20 footer. This bike is strong and will last and last.
Weaknesses:
Shifting sucks on this bike.. click..click..click before it finally gets into the right gear, and the Chain rattles like crazy over bumps.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is strong and will take more and more as you advance. Good bike for the beginner, it was my first and has lasted through plenty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Schulte
a Weekend Warrior
from Yankton, South Dakota, USA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The horse trails (they dont have a name)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
Ace Hardware
Strengths:
Very stong, good components for the price, mine even came with disc brakes!
Weaknesses:
front wheel bearing (was fixed under warranty), a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
all stock except a trek computer and shimano disc brakes (they came with it, but I have never seen them anywhere else).
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, works great for the weekend warrior especially if you get the rare disc brake version, it stops on a dime in dry and wet and it also climbs very nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frankie -mag-
a Weekend Warrior
from Westchester NewYork USA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
sprain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
dannys
Strengths:
strong, good climber, all around riding, components are good
Weaknesses:
seat isnt too adjustable, tires arnt that good
Similar Products Used:
black diamond dbl, trek fuel, trek 4300,3700, stinky
Bike Setup:
changed tires, seat
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike for just a xc title...i do a lot of freeriding, and this bike is good for begining, good for dirt jumps, just change the seat. good xc bike, and climber
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt T
a Weekend Warrior
from Hackettstown NJ Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Rock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
Marty's Randolph
Strengths:
tough as nails. Best matching of components for the price. Light weight.
Weaknesses:
Wheels needed to be replaced (was doen under warranty) New model does not come with disc brake ready hubs
Similar Products Used:
GT; K2; 4300
Bike Setup:
Crankbrothers Candy pedals added. Considering disc brakes instead of buying more expensive bike.
Bottom Line:
Drove under low clearance and ripped bike from the upright rack. NO DAMAGE. I ride it weekly - much harder than it was designed for and have never had a problem with this bike (except for excessive wear of plating on wheels which were replaced by Trek)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Durable Good price to value Does what it should for an entry level rider - should last and be worth upgrading components to satisfy an intermediate rider
Weaknesses:
Bike may be on the heavy side but other than that no major weaknesses for a beginner bike
Here is what I've run into so far:
Broke the chain after 6mths - probably more due to me learning to shift on this bike than the parts fault
Bent derailer hanger - pretty bad wreck though
Brakes - haven't replaced yet but have a feeling disc brake upgrade is in the future.....
Shifters & derailers - probably upgrade in another year+
Similar Products Used:
none - first mountain bike
Bike Setup:
this review is for '06 Trek 4500 (Red and black frame)
Shifters: Tekro
Derailer: Acera front Deore rear
Front Shock: Judy Rock Shock
Stock - except for Shimano clipless pedals and SRAM chain
Bottom Line:
I beat on this bike and it keeps coming back for more.
I consider myself a beginner:intermediate trail rider (no serious jumps/drops)
Bike will satisfy entry and intermediate level weekend trail riders. Probably could get serious with this bike after a few upgrades however imagine a full suspension bike would be the next step.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raymond Yang
a Weekend Warrior
from Sangju, Gyeongbuk, Korea Date Reviewed: June 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
used from friend who owns shop
Strengths:
definitely the FRAME. nice Rock Shox Dart 2 front shocks.
Weaknesses:
Alivio front derailleur and cranks.
Bike Setup:
XT dual levers, XT front and rear derailleurs, carbon seatpost, Avid SD7 brakes, Crank Bros. Smarty pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought used at the recommendation from a friend who owns a bike shop. He was going up to a full suspension and sold me his bike. I don't think I would've bought it new. It's $750 here in Korea. I think it's for the name. Most of the stock parts just seem decent--lots of Bontrager Sport. Deore shifters and rear derailleur. But the FRAME is so nice. I have the 2007 model with the matte red/matte black color. SWEET color. I've since upgraded, and it's great. Super steady on XC downhills. Climbs well. The Dart 2 does a pretty good job. I'd recommend this...with upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivo Alves
a
from V.N.Famalicão, Portugal Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
JoaneAirãoSrª da Saúde
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Rodribike
Strengths:
Strong n´light frame, good components for the price, good looks.
Weaknesses:
Alivio front derailer and the other alivio parts.
Similar Products Used:
Gt Hardtails, Scott Hardtails, RockMachine Hardtails, Merida ...etc
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Mx Pro SL 2006, XT rear derailer, Pro XLT Stem, Shimano BR-535M Hydraulic Brakes, Shimano FD-520 clipless pedals. The rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry bike! If you are "weekend warrior" you have a bike for many long years.
With the time if you want more performance, the frame is strong and lightweight (best value of the bike), so you can upgrade the frame with better parts.
I recommend this bike. It climbs very well, and in the fast descendings is very secure and steady.
Gabriel Cruz a Weekend Warrior from Miami said: "Will take you anywhere, even through the worst terrain with no problems" ... it's true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Plainfield, IL Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Swallow Cliffs, Palos Park, IL
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Sunbaum Cycles, Joliet, IL
Strengths:
A bit heavy, but it's 19" frame as I'm pretty tall. has all of the necessary components I need. Replaced the seat, gooseneck, grips, cranks, rims and pedals.
Weaknesses:
No disc brakes, but they were't widely available 5-6 years ago when I bought it. Don't need 'em, though. No school like the old school!
Bottom Line:
I've been beating the crap out of it for years, and it continues to serve me well. I will; get rid of it when it breaks in half, and olny then reluctantly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Keep in mind that I'm writing about the 2002 model that I have, here. The latest model has upgraded a number of components, so it should probably only be better.
Strong frame. Pretty descent components for the price I paid.
Weaknesses:
The bike is a bit on the heavier side. The seat is a bit uncomfortable. Rockshox Judy works, but is hard to adjust the stiffness, but that's what I paid for, so can't really complain.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F400
Bike Setup:
Chainged the front derailer after it literally snapped from ~3yrs of harsh use.
Bottom Line:
Overall, it's a good bike. Even though the fork could be better, it handled a couple of a pretty sick downhill ride without a problem. This bike is probably one of the best name brand bikes at this price range for beginners and novice riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Downhiller
from maryland Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
w/ bike
Strengths:
Pretty solid bike, disc brake compatable. Looks good too
Weaknesses:
Fork seals blew within 3 weeks, rim bent completely 4 weeks in, frame bent a few more weeks later...but it's all cuz I was doing 7' drops on it...
Bottom Line:
It's a decent entry level bike, just dont do drops on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake hutchins
a
from Michigan Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Addison Oaks
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
Main Street bikes
Strengths:
Great price, perfect for anyone that wants to get into mountain biking but are not sure if they will like it. strong frame and good entry level set of components.
Weaknesses:
well I'm kind of a big guy at 230 so i bent the seat rails, and the fork did hold to long, I blew that out in a year and half, but i still was able to ride on it for another year.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
Rhyno lite xl rims, eggbeater pedals, bb7 mechanic disk brakes, Thompson elite seat post, Ithys Titec seat post.
Bottom Line:
really a great bike for the money. if you plan on riding it for a while it would be a good investment to change the fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Dublin, NH, USA Date Reviewed: March 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bennett Gap
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Has withstood major abuse: From lift served downhills to urban concrete crashes it stands strong. Nice standard Bontrager tires.
Weaknesses:
Rockshox Jett isn't great.
Bike Setup:
Rockshox Jett, Shimano A derailers, bontrager tires
Bottom Line:
Hardy bike, great value, good for cross country novices (but versatile enought to try other ride styles)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, MO Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Castlewood Park - River Scene
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$520.00
Purchased At:
Trek Store in Manchester, MO
Strengths:
For an entry level "real" bike, you can't beat it.
Weaknesses:
Wish it had disc brakes, but I know that the price would have been much higher.
Similar Products Used:
None, this was my first "real" brand name bike.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to clipless pedals after one year.
Bottom Line:
I'm no athlete, so I wasn't looking to break the bank on some super duper high end bike. I got this mostly for a little exercise. I spend probably 80% of the time on pavement towing my daughters around in a Trek kid trailer behind me, so I don't really need anything too fancy. However when I get to go off-road when I'm on my own, this bike does a great job hauling my 220lb self around novice and beginner level trails. It's a lot of fun. For the price, I think the quality is definitely there.
going round my 10ft squared garden. my mum won't let me out coz i live in the lakes estate
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
phil corley cycles, stacey bushes trading centre, milton keynes
Strengths:
it very good until you own it for more than two years or ride it down 97 sets of stairs at 20 mph
Weaknesses:
breakes when you ride down 97 sets of stairs at 20 mph or own it for more than 2 years
Similar Products Used:
kennnath w adams w adams' gt avalanche 1.0 he has the same email address as me
Bike Setup:
none coz i took it to the dump when it broke
Bottom Line:
----------------------------------------------------------- there's the top one
----------------------------------------------------------- thee's the bottom one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabriel Cruz
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oletta Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Cycleworld
Strengths:
Strong frame, good price, decent components, good shock.
Weaknesses:
Front derraillur "alivio". The seat is an ass killer.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized hardrock
Bike Setup:
Changed the seat,handles. Added clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
Very good and strong entry level bike. Will take you anywhere, even through the worst terrain with no problems. I ride with full suspension guys and i don't have any problems keeping up. The shock rockshox dart will take roots, drops and small jumps with no problem.The components have worked well so far, the front derraiur is a little slow but it works.i would definetly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Smith Date Reviewed: November 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
strong and light frame i was amazd at the weight
Weaknesses:
front derailer i would like it stonger
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
buy it for a son who ride town and trail it fun as hell
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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