[fw98]

My friend just got me into MTB lately. I am looking for a bike now and I don't want to spend more than $500 (before tax).

A week ago, I saw the 2008 Trek 4300 ($360 + tax) and I like that a lot (I am not sure if it was because the nice orange/silver color combination - love at the first sight ). I test rode it on the street and around the block for about 1 mile, the bike seems nice :thumbsup: but I can't really tell much as I am only a newbie in MTBing.

My friend told me since we will go to the mountain and do some downhill riding, it will be much better for me get a bike with disc brake.

I just went to shop again this afternoon and they said they can order the 2008 Trek 4300 DISC (Brushed Aluminum Black only) for me $460 + tax. They said the 2008 has a longer front suspension, plus few minor upgrades and a nicer frame than the 2007 model:

Frame: 1038 Trek Alpha SL aluminium
Swingarm/Stays: 1038 Trek Alpha SL aluminium w/repl hngr
Fork: RST, Gila T8 1-1/8" 100mm, DISC SPECIFIC, BLACK CROWN MINI BOOT W/PRELOAD
Headset: VP-A76C-TK 1-1/8" STEEL SEMI-CARTRIDGE
Crank: Suntour, CW7-XCC-T102 PB 42 / 34 / 24 W/O DISC
Bottom Bracket: VP-BC73 73x122.5mm CARTRIDGE TYPE
Front Derailleur: Shimano, FD-C050 DUAL PULL 35mm
Rear Derailleur: Shimano, Alivio, RD-MC410-L DIRECT MOUNT
Shifters: Shimano ST-EF50L 3 & 8 speed index
Cassette/Freewheel: Sram PG830 11-32T 8-Speed
Chain: KMC, HG50 1/2" x 3/32" x LINKS
Front Hub: Shimano, HB-M65-L 14x32H W/STEEL BLACK Q/R W/LOGO
Rear Hub: Shimano, FH-M65-L 14x32H W/STEEL BLACK Q/R 8-SPD W/LOGO
Front Rim: BONTRAGER RANGER DISC 26x1.5 32H A/V W/LOGO W/SS EYELET
Rear Rim: BONTRAGER RANGER DISC 26x1.5 32H A/V W/LOGO W/SS EYELET
Spokes: TREK APPROVED 14G STAINLESS
Nipples: Brass
Rear Tire: BONTRAGER JONES ACX (C-1403P) 26x2.1 27TPI DARK SKIN WALL
Front Tire: BONTRAGER JONES ACX (C-1403P) 26x2.1 27TPI DARK SKIN WALL
Front Brake: Shimano, BR-M415 MECHANICAL DISC, 160mm rotor
Rear Brake: Shimano, BR-M415 MECHANICAL DISC, 160mm rotor
Brake Levers: Shimano ST-EF50-L
Pedals: Wellgo, B-81T 9/16" BRN AXLE 1-PC ALLOY BODY W/CPSC REFL.W/TOE CLIP ADAPTOR
Handlebar: BONTRAGER SPORT (YC-A215) 25mm RISE 6D BEND ALLOY W/B LOGO
Stem: BONTRAGER SPORT (TDS-AD286N-8) 10D ALLOY W/LOGO
Grips: BONTRAGER SELECT 120mm DUAL DENSITY W/LOGO Velo #VLG-554D2
Saddle : BONTRAGER SELECT BASIC (VL-1013) W/O CLAMP W/LOGO
Seat Post: BONTRAGER SPORT(TKP-22) 31.6x___mm W/ALLOY SILVER HEAD W/LOGO

I read the Trek 4300 DISC review in http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardtail/product_125516.shtml it seems like the rating isn't that good. Even though the review is not particular for the 2008 model, I still not sure if I should consider the 2008 Trek 4300 DISC or not.

My friend suggested me to get the 2007 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc ($400 + tax), another LBS suggested me to get the 2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc ($460 + tax) or the Diamondback Response Sport '07 ($440 + tax).

Thank you in advance for any suggestions and inputs!

 

[crazylax42]

I would go for one of the two higher offerings if you want to stick with trek if you can swing it, as the fork on this thing is crap. I'd go for the 4500 or 4900, you definitely won't be sorry, and it will save you money in upgrades later. also, the gt avalanche 2.0 is a really solid bike (I sell them at my store all day long), and should be $499 until the 22nd if you've got a local performance. For the money, it's a great buy. That, the trek, or hardrock are all really good beginner bikes though.

 

[prsman27]

treks are for kids....hardy har har

Check out the Giant Yukon. If you get into more agressive riding, go for the Hardrock. The Avalanche 2.0 is a good bike too.

 

[taikuodo]

Humm, by your description the 2008 trek shouldnt be that bad.

Brushed black, few upgrades, and 100mm fork.. should be on par with the hardrock (probably better in terms of deraillers)

 

[fw98]

Hi,

I think I am kind of crazy as I didn't even try the bike and just made a full payment (about $620 including tax) to the LBS for them to order the 2008 Specialized Rockhopper Disc for me.

Since everybody told me that it is a good and reliable bike, I hope it is once for all and I don't have to spend money for repair in a year or two.

Thank you again for all the valuable input. I will let you know once I do my first downhill riding. :thumbsup:

 

[taikuodo]

620 is decent for a 08 Rockhopper Disc.. now that it has an m4 frame.