Is the Trek 4300 a good mountain bike?

Question

I am talking about the newest model, which is this one

http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300/

Tell me everything since I am considering buying this bike, such as what parts should I upgrade right away. Give me the cons. Tell me your experiences with it.

Or maybe if you think I could get a better quality bike with another bike brand, but within the same price, let me know. Give me links. I am looking for one with Front Suspension (Hardtail).

Answer 1

I wish I could give you links or what not. Treks are nice bikes, but i personally didn't like how their lower bikes weren't that priced well compared to its competitors who offered disc-brakes. ($300 and i don't get disc brakes? come on now.)

Disk brakes are an awesome upgrade, it makes it so much easier for taking on/off compared to the normal cable rubber pad thing.

www.mtbr.com is a website that talks about bikes, I used it when I bought my raleigh mountain bike. My friend, she has a female version of the Trek, forgot number. They're nice simple bikes and good out the box, we use our bikes for adventure racing.

However, serious mounttain biking, u might want to looking at getting clip-ons and  those mtn biking shoes.

but trek, gary fischer, raleigh are very nice bikes without breaking ur wallet.

Answer 2

The 4300 is a nice, serviceable bike.  With a minimum of maintenance, it'll give you many years of service.  

The real question is what do you want to use the bike for?  If you are just getting into mountain biking, this is a good machine to tool around the woods on and learn how to mountain bike.  If you think you want to get into XC racing, it is too heavy.  If you want to do endurance riding, you'll want a more comfortable, full suspension bike.  

Before buying the Trek, you may also want to check out offerings from Specialized, Cannondale and Giant.  You'll find most the components are pretty comparable.  The differences will be how the bike feels.  My recommendation is to ignore the brands and go with the one that feels best to you.

With regard to your comments about upgrading the bike, I suggest you buy the bike with the parts you know you want.  For example, if you want disk brakes or an air spring shock, the time to get it is now, now later.  Manufacturers buy in volume and get huge discounts on components.  As a consumer, it is much more expensive to buy "upgrades" at retail prices.  Therefore, figure out what you want before you buy and take advantage of the manufacturer's buying power.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Treks are nice bikes, I would try one out and then look at some of the other manufactures also.  It's good to have a front suspension with a preload adjustment.  You don't need disk brakes unless you do allot of riding in mud or wet conditions.  The "V" brakes will stop you just as good and will save you $100.

Answer 4

Trek bikes are fantastic and all parts come with great warranties.  If you are experienced then you know what upgrades you want.  If its going to be one of your first then ride it, get with bike dudes and find what they are doing and what results they are getting.  Experience the trail then figure out what would be nice.  Don't just buy the swag, but buy what is going to make your cycling experience more pleasurable and dangerous.  Hard tales are great for learning and I even have one with no suspention front or back.  I love it because I can feel the trail better, it helps me learn new stuff. .  I advise front suspension though.  Get the front suspention that is adjustable.  Treks have great warranties and any good bike guy will honor them.  I have cracked two wheels and both have been replaced under warranty (Trek).

But, don't be a brand snob, get a bike for you and Trek is certainly a good choice.  Buy it from a shop that and bike guy you trust, because you can take it there for repairs and tune ups.  Evenutaly you will want to do all this yourself, but learn from these guys.