[MikeeMellor]

Im looking to buy my fist bike and I would like to know a little more about the Trek 4300 Disc. Im a beginner that will ride single track and city.

Have you guys had any problems with this bike?

Are there known problems?

Thanks,

Mikee

 

[nov0798]

Mikee,
I have an older one, probably about 6-7 years old, and it still works fine. The only reason I dont ride it, is because I moved up to a full suspension bike. I still use it if someone new wants to ride, but doesnt have a bike. Overall great bike!

 

[GatorB]

Mikee,
I have an older one, probably about 6-7 years old, and it still works fine. The only reason I dont ride it, is because I moved up to a full suspension bike. I still use it if someone new wants to ride, but doesnt have a bike. Overall great bike!

Exactly what he said, I did the same thing with my 4300. Great beginner bike and very bullet proof.

 

[ianblaster]

I loved my 4300 disc. The only bad thing I have to say about it is the fork. Its not much count. Pretty stiff with little adjustment. I ended up upgrading the fork. After that I was completely happy with the bike until my buddy let me ride his full suspension. It is a great entry level bike!

 

[Sarguy]

Good entry level bike, but from a been-there-done-that perspective, depending on your ride style, I'd try to go a little higher. I had one a few years back and kind of beat it up bad. I gave it to my son for college use and went to the 6500. It was able to take a better pounding. I've just ordered a RF and I'm looking forward to a bike that can handle more abuse on the trails.

 

[Rubicon73]

I really enjoy beating the snot out of my 4300 Disc! I just took it out earlier today and rode it through mudholes and all. Great value as I started riding, I was 300+ lbs, now Im 220 and have only had minor maintenance issues. The fork is definitely the weak link as stated.

 

[Goodbarsix]

Had one of the 2006 variety and it worked just dandy for singletrack. As things broke I rreplaced with better...shifters, crank, derailuers, saddle. The funny thing? The freaking crappy fork never broke!

Great intro bike!

 

[3S00W]

I really enjoy beating the snot out of my 4300 Disc! I just took it out earlier today and rode it through mudholes and all. Great value as I started riding, I was 300+ lbs, now Im 220 and have only had minor maintenance issues. The fork is definitely the weak link as stated.

Any secrets to losing the weight? How long have you been going at it since you started? How far you riding and how often? Dirt or road?

I'm 6'1 312 right now. I started watching what I eat(how much not really what foods) then riding about a month ago at 328. I feel great and ride 5 - 7 miles about 3 times a week. I could definitely do more cause I feel great!

I'm on a 4300(not disc) and am having a blast! Going to upgrade to Sun Rhyno Lite wheels, Rock Shox Tora fork, wider bar and some disc brakes thru the year. I've already replaced the crank, got thudbuster post, saddle and added singletrak solutions bar ends.

I think eventually I will have a new bike in the next 18 months and my wife is already asking if she can have my 4300...

 

[Rubicon73]

Any secrets to losing the weight? How long have you been going at it since you started? How far you riding and how often? Dirt or road?

I'm 6'1 312 right now. I started watching what I eat(how much not really what foods) then riding about a month ago at 328. I feel great and ride 5 - 7 miles about 3 times a week. I could definitely do more cause I feel great!

I'm on a 4300(not disc) and am having a blast! Going to upgrade to Sun Rhyno Lite wheels, Rock Shox Tora fork, wider bar and some disc brakes thru the year. I've already replaced the crank, got thudbuster post, saddle and added singletrak solutions bar ends.

I think eventually I will have a new bike in the next 18 months and my wife is already asking if she can have my 4300...

If you're watching what you eat, youre on the right track. Exercise EVERY chance you get as this will allow a little slack when it comes to your diet. I did cardio and weight training to achieve my weight loss goals. Riding your mtb burns an enormous amount of calories so strive to turn as many miles as possible on dirt as possible and you too will will realize youre goal of being fit. Good luck!

 

[MikeeMellor]

Thanks everyone for the input. I ended up going with a 4500.

mikee

 

[Sarguy]

Alright, good bike, some pics?

--Still awaiting on my 2011 Rumblefish, coming after the 14th....

 

[MikeeMellor]

https://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2011/large/4500disc_onyx.jpg

Heres a pic from the website. i dont have a camera so this will have to do.

Good bike from what i can tell so far, ive only been able to do some city riding due to snow and low temps.

The lockout fork is excellent for me (never had one before) the hydraulic brakes are also very nice.

mikee

 

[NW_Vermont]

Hey, Mikee-

Do you mind sharing the major differences b/w the 4300 and the 4500?

I asked the question of my LBS and got the "deer in the headlights look".

Thanks in advance!

 

[MikeeMellor]

Not to sure of everything. I mainly bought it because they did not have the 4300 in my size and i wanted to buy it then i also had a coupon for 10% off so i thought i would upgrade.

4500 has 9 speeds as opposed to the 4300's 8, this is the only big difference that i know of....

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/compare/#/4500disc,4300disc,empty

mikee

 

[ja001son]

I recently purchased a 4300 Disc and so far I love mine, I replaced the rear shifter and derailleur, Alivo shifter, Deore derailleur which made a nice improvement in shifting, especially under load. I never used anything but the center ring on the front gears so I removed the front shifter and locked the front derailleur into the center position to act as a chain guide and installed some cane creek direct curve brake levers.

mind You none of this was needed, I just like to tinker. :thumbsup:

 

[Sarguy]

You might be better off removing the front derailleur. The first time you jam it on debris or hit it with your foot. You'll be changing front rings. Just a thought.