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Submitted by
Amy Krienbuhl
a Cross Country Rider
from North Tonawanda, NY USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprague Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert's Bikes | | Strengths: | Components work fluently togetrher. Strong Frame! Quality entry level trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy J1 fork. I switched to a Rock Shox Reba Race fork. | | Similar Products Used: | 96 GT Agressor. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 frame. '05 Reba Race fork. Veulta Starlite Wheelset. Shimano PD-M647 pedals. Club roost GO FAST riser bars. SIC stem. Chris King headset. Avid Speed-dial brake levers. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike! I have yet to have a problem with it. I ride on a daily basis. As I porgressed, i added components to suit my riding style. If you are looking for a bike to get started with, this is a great choice to experiment with. It comes with great breaking, smooth shifting, agressive trail tires, and a great feel to ride with. The only regret I have is not buying a full suspension bike seeing how I took to the sport. But this bike has treated me well, and I love it! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Humberto Freire
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottetown,PEI,Canada
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Earth | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Action bikes London | | Strengths: | Solid Frame,simple geometry, you know the one that just keeps on well just keeps on!! and on and on!! | | Weaknesses: | crap Sadle,Ouch! on the B-Hind. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher, Cannondale,Specialized,Giant.etc etc oh and Kona!! | | Bike Setup: | deore, avid brakes,and Crap Sadle.GOt manitou Blacks on the front end , all of a sudden it becomes this wow factor!oh and a sadle san-Italia leather very sweet indeed. | | Bottom Line: | Well here I am again a few years later,
go figure hey! Solid bike and if you look after it just keep it lubed and clean after the mud, it's Solid ! very good value !crap sadle. I insist Please Trek and Company,the sadle is like a shoe if it does fit well we the consumer will not buy and wear it ! ge it .Great Value! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Myers
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Harley's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The Frame is the best componet on the bike. I also have not had to mess with my braking system or my gear system. The derailers are great for the price you pay. | | Weaknesses: | The Bottom Bracket snapped off its arm when I dropped of a 3 footer and I cranked my nuts hard. I am upgrading to an ISIS drive instead of that crappy square taper. The only other weakness I have noticed is the front fork. Although it has held up pretty well on me, it is very heavy and seems to not have any damper at all. | | Similar Products Used: | All my friends bikes, Specialized P2, Hardrock, Stumpjumper, Giant STP, Gary Fischer Cake Dlx II, | | Bike Setup: | Everything is stock except for my new Race Face FR BB, and the new Truvativ Hussefelt cranks I am getting. Oh, throw on some lock on grips, they are great! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I have used and abused this bike and it keeps going strong. The 4 years that I have had this bike have been great and trouble free. I would recommend Trek any day to anyone. I am in the process of upgrading to a more urban/free ride hardtail but this Trek 4900 will stay with me for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nitzan Manteka
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | In Israel | | Strengths: | Strong frame, Very light, good brakes, very balanced | | Weaknesses: | screws that hold the bar that holds the right pedal comes loose once in a while, seat is really uncomfterable, | | Bike Setup: | all Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike, i can wheelie with it for over an hour, shifts easily, front shocks are strong, strong frame, good for people who want to ride their bike in tough terrain, very light weight, lifetime warrantie. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodrigo Gallo
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek back in TX | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | If you are a beginner, much like I was when I bought this bike, you will love it. I've put this bike through a lot of roug rides and a lot of times it's proven to be tougher tan me. | | Weaknesses: | If you ride hard and frequently replace the pedals and the seat. The shifting is not the best either. The bike is also a bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | various bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock except I replaced the pedal for some shimano 646 and i replaced the seat. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike that will give you hours of fun and won't let you down (too many times). If you are a beginner or don't have that much money this is a great bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa, CA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | El Moro | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sea & Schwinn | | Strengths: | Took many good beatings | | Weaknesses: | Broke the frame coming down Rattlesnake; snapped at the two welds right at the very back of the frame by the back wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Standard, disc brakes, Rock Shox Judy on the front. | | Bottom Line: | This bike did well the whole time I had it, until today. Ride around 2-3 times a week, and besides a few popped tires I've never had any trouble. Trying to get Trek to give my a Fisher frame for replacement and just pay the diff. We'll see how it goes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Tilghman
a Weekend Warrior
from Towson, Maryland
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northern Central Rail Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Race Pace Bicycles, Owings Mills Maryland | | Strengths: | Front shocks work well, and I had no problems after 4 hours of riding with the gears or shifting | | Weaknesses: | I Only been riding it for 1 month / after hours of riding the seat was like riding a skateboard but I my need to develop a riding Butt so they say | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Standard out of the box equipment | | Bottom Line: | I really like my Trek 4900 they could make a softer seat but overall I would give it a 95% out of 100% because of the seat. If you are looking for a good bike to start with then this is an excellent choice you can grow into this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Watton
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | MillCreek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$315.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle-good guys!! | | Strengths: | Lightweight, tough. Good quality bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | I have bent the rear derailer. The crank bearing came loose and I broke a tooth of the rear cog. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as a one year lease return. Usally I wouldn't buy a used MTB but this was a police bike and it looked brand new. I love the bike, last year I purchased a GT and I was breaking parts. I love this bike. I am not too big of a fan for the Judy C shock, but its way better than my RST on the GT!! I am fairly new to MTBing but ride pretty hard and with a few upgrades this bike will last me a few years! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hunt
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Strengths: | nice strong frame, its light and looks cool | | Weaknesses: | the rims are cheap, i have had my bike in twice becouse on the spooks came loose and bent the rim. | | Similar Products Used: | various bikes | | Bike Setup: | trek 4900, rock shox pslyo xc (very nice) cane creek c-2 head set, vualta downhill rim w/ xt disk hub and avid disks. | | Bottom Line: | buy new rims and tires along w/ shocks, trust me its worth every dime. i didnt like the petals that came with the bike so i put platform on! i would give the bike a 4.5 rating because i think its better that a 4 but not perfect blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah 50 words | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adirondack Blues
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Away from People | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Clifton Park Sports (Great Shop!) | | Strengths: | Its a great bike right outta the box- It fits me (I'm 6'3" 215lbs). Decent spec components- not the best, but I rode about 3000 miles last year, and only went through a cassette, a few sets of tires, and a few chains. I couldn't break anything else, although I sure did try my best. Frame and wheels are strong. Judy C is a pretty sweet old-school tech fork. Jones AC tires work great. | | Weaknesses: | Shifters could be better- when mine break, I'll probably upgrade to Deore or XT. Front der is a little sketchy- you never know if it will shift or not especially in the mud. ProMax brakes are terrible and have a cheap feel- I replaced them with Avids. Stock pedals and saddle should go- I ditched the rat trap pedals for Shimano 959s- I'm still riding the stock saddle, although its threadbare and ripped up a bit. Cranks and chainrings are showing wear after 3000 miles. Rear hub is making noise doesn't turn as smoothly as it used to. Headset could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | None- first bike purchase | | Bike Setup: | 21.5" frame, Shimano 959 pedals, Avid Single Digit 7 brakes, Titec Fat Al 135mm stem, SRAM Cassette, SRAM PC58 chains, Switch between Jones AC and Revolt SS depending on conditions. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Erchull
a Racer
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Peppersauce Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS I work at | | Strengths: | Well, out of the box this has to be one great deal. The frame is a responsive, sturdy ride, with the ability to take a pounding. On a budget this bike is aa great deal. If you are lloking for a good bike on a budget with similiar components try the Diamondback Topanga with full Deore for about $399 retail. The frame on the diamondback isn't one to jump for but the components are a great deal. Otherwise stick with the 4900. | | Weaknesses: | The components. There are better bikes out there in this price range with better wheels, cranks, bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F3000 | | Bike Setup: | 4900 Frame, Manitou Expert Fork, XTR Brake/Shifters, XTR Frnt and Rear Deraileour, CarbonLord Cranks w/XTR BB, 2001 CrossMax Wheelset, Continental Twister Pro Tires, XTR V-Brakes, Cane Creek S6 Headset, Easton EA70 Stem and Seatpost, Icon Bars, Profile Grips, Areion TI Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the budget. Somewhat worth upgrading for a second bike to go crazy on without braking. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Brady
a Weekend Warrior
from Canal Fulton ohio usa
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | eddy'ts bike shop | | Strengths: | Rear der,good solid frame so far,shifters have worked well considering not high end | | Weaknesses: | wheels,front der, fork | | Similar Products Used: | raleigh M60, wal-mart crappy Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike. I got into riding last year and decided to buy the bike. I am a bigger guy, 5'11" 210lbs and we ride like maniacs. So I broke alot of things (wheels, rear hub, front chainring,front der etc.)I think if your starting out, it is a much better choice than a Huffy. Turns out I just love riding so much and really need a better bike so I just bought a CDALE Scalpel so the bike looks alot cheaper to me now. Get it if your starting out. If your not into riding then you will at least have a great bike for recreational riding for the rest of your life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | R&D | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's Cycle | | Strengths: | Low Price & Trek Name | | Weaknesses: | Weight & Parts Quality | | Similar Products Used: | STP 200, 4500, and 4300 | | Bike Setup: | FD: Deore LX
RD: Deore XT
Pedals: System 3
Seat: Trico | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
I own many Trek offerings (STP 200, 4900, 4500, and 4300), so my bias can be justified. The 4900 is a good product, but a 2001/2002 Trek 6500 is a much better product. Listed below are the reasons behind this statement.
Frame: 6500 (SL) is better than 4900 (Alpha).
FD: 6500 (Deore) is better than 4900 (Alivio).
RD: 6500 (LX) is better than 4900 (Deore).
The 2001/2002 Trek 6500 represents a much better value than a 2003 Trek 4900. The 4900, 4500, and 4300 all share the same basic Alpha frame. Yes, the 4900 is made in the United States, but it uses the same material as Trek's lower quality offerings (4500/4300). A 21" 6500 weighs in at 28 pounds verses 30 pounds for the 4900. In a nutshell, you get a better frame and higher quality componenets for only $75.00 with the 6500.
Please don' waste your time and money on a 2003 Trek 4900. The 2001/2002 Trek 6500 is the right choice for any real rider. You can build a real bike with the 6500 as the foundation platform.
Thank You
Russ
PS: The 4900 is a solid product, but suffers from overweight and poor standard components. It is a good, but not a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Cherokee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Highgear Outdoor | | Strengths: | This bike has taken a pounding since I bought it. | | Weaknesses: | None so far except I broke the shifter while crashing. | | Similar Products Used: | several other Trek bikes | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Deore, Bontrager accessories, Rock shock seat post, clipless pedals, Hutchinson Python tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has held up better than any bike I've owned. Maybe I just got lucky, but for the price it can't be beat. I ride everyday, I ride my bike very hard and it has held up excellent. Even downhilling in Winterpark. I recommend this bike if you want a tough bike and don't have the cash for a fuel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
humberto freire
a Cross Country Rider
from london-u.k.
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | earth | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | actionbikes.londonSW1 | | Strengths: | great frame good reliable componentry DEORE troughout and a sturdy offroad bike go anywhere bike no bull just pedegree stuff! | | Weaknesses: | a better saddle! | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale great but so expensive for what it was! | | Bike Setup: | factory setup | | Bottom Line: | no funny duddy kind of bike get on and ride everywhere and anywhere. Okay downhilling out but across the rest of the world just get one and ride!you need a bike that will not let you down go get one .yeah baby! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Good bike to start with and to ride on trails. Its pretty light but Trek doesn't display the weight of the frame. Its strong enough for drops too. | | Weaknesses: | I don't really like Trek mountain bikes in general they don't have any good freeride or downhill bikes the ones they do have stink. And the frame is weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | Great bike but would help if it was stronger i mean u just can't take it too far into freeride. If your a beginner mountain biker this bike is for you; not too expencive, light, low maintance, and great for trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dodo_96 -----
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos hills/kettle morraine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | village cycle (they sux) | | Strengths: | Frame, rd, wheels, | | Weaknesses: | fd, pedals, | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300 | | Bottom Line: | I've been really surprised concerning this bike. I've done more 1000 miles, including lots of trails, and its held up. I haven't had to get wheels trued at all, which is pretty surprising, considering my weight (220). The forks have held up pretty well too. The only that bugs mean, is that sometimes the FD doesn't shift that well at times, but the rd has been 100%. I like the bike, but the pedals do suck, i've upgraded those, and am planning on upgrading the fork (found a great deal on bombers). I am still surprised how the wheels have handled (they've hit trees, and haven't dented). I think this is a great bike, and has handled everything i've needed it too. But if you do get into mountain biking, you will definitely end up grading. Oh, i would definitely upgrade the seat, i've done that too, and it has made a world of difference. Great bike in my opinion, but if you can afford to spend more, i would do it, just to save some trouble on the upgrading. I would say buy it, if your going to use it for city, xc, and trails. If your just aiming for trails, spend more, and spend less, if just city, but i think its a great bike if your doing both. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schtoo
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The frame is great? | | Weaknesses: | The components aren't for me. | | Bike Setup: | Frame, saddle, fork and heatset bearings stock. LX F/R Der, shifters and crank. Hayes discs, XT hubs, Rhynolite rims whatever else needed to bolt it together. | | Bottom Line: | For me, the stock bike pulls vacuum. I mentioned this long ago (can be seen below). This is an update...
Well, now the thing is great! It's a land based missile, and the only thing that is not so great are the LX cranks, but that's only a very small problem and they were my choice. The frame is great, the fork works, and them heatset bearings are still working fine. Other than that this review can't cover the stock 4900. It can however say how good what's left is, and that's not half bad. I am starting to dislike the fork which is not all that great for me, but that should vanish pretty soon anyway. If you can live with components (and mines the international version, we got the better stuff!) then it's a bargain. Right now, my bike is up where the stuff costs twice the asking price of this bike and comparing it to a stocker just isn't all that fair... I can see this frame lasting for a very long time, and it's worthwhile keeping in good working order.
BTW, all the cast off stuff wound up on my girlfriends 4100, making it into a white 4800? She loves it, and is amazed at the difference the better components make. So for me it's not a great loss, as all the components found their way onto other bikes (even her old stuff got used up). By now, it should be at reduced prices to allow for '03 models, put the 4900 on the VERY short list if you are in the market to buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Erchull
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS That I Work At | | Strengths: | Has to be the top of it's line Alpha Frame | | Weaknesses: | Original Comp. Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Trek STP 200 | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9.0,2002 Sid Race Fork, XT Cassette, Icon Cranks, Cane Creek S6 Headset, Bontrager Race Stem and Seatpost, Icon Handlebars, Avid Pro Brakes and Levers. Rolf Dolomite Wheels | | Bottom Line: | This was one of my latest projects. Took it out and rode it. Great feel. The dolomites were a little Sketchy at first. It's a great climber at 23.5 pounds (that damn frame weight) Had a lot of fun building it up. THe great thing is it's worth $1500-1700 but I only paid $850. Irecomend going for the 6700 frame if you want to build a bike like I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heath Buck
a Downhiller
from Fort Smith, AR, US
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Springhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycling | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | Pedels and Crank. I have bent both pedels, the middle front chain ring, and the left crank arm came loose. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, but I am looking to replace the pedels. I am 5'10" and 220Lbs. I love taking the bike out for rocky downhils and it has held up. I love the bike and at 28.1 lbs, it is a lot lighter than my soft tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matti
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Deore everywhere, nice color, solid sframe | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, rear derailleur cable, derailleur hanger | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4100 | | Bike Setup: | International version, XT+Mavic F519+DT rims, Marzocchi MXR fork, SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | I get this as a replacement for stolen bike. The wheels (F519+XT) and the front suspension (MXR) were upgraded before I got it from the shop.
The bike is international version so it has little bit better stock parts than US model. Deore shifters (Alivio in US model), Deore front derailleur (Alivio), 27 speeds (24), Alex rims + Deore hubs (Bontrager Corvair + non sealed hubs), thicker spokes, more expensive saddle (Bontrager FS 2000), Bontrager Sport cranks (Bontrager plain?) and matte black color.
Otherwise the bike has been very nice, balanced and durable but from the beginning it has had problems with the drivetrain. The shifting has been lousy and the first chain and casette wore out really fast. I got replcement casette from warranty. The problem with the shifting was solved when I replaced the rear derailleur cable and the last section of cable cover few days ago. Apparently the last section of cable cover was cut too short at the factory. Also the rear derailleur hangar and frme joint has some play when the wheel is of and I'm not sure if it sets in the right angle after the wheel is fastened.
The chainring seem to be made from quite soft material. They wear fast and bend easily.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slyder
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville,TN, USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | Great frameset. Strong and decently light. Excellent entry level XC rig. | | Weaknesses: | The Alivio FD was a little sluggish. Not very impressed with the Bontrager Sport crankset, I bent the middle chainring twice. | | Bike Setup: | I have basically upgraded every part on this bike. Here's the run-down: Drivetrain:Shimano XT Fork:'01 Sid XC Handlebar:Easton EA50 Grips:Oury Brakes:Avid SD 3 levers w/ SD 5 calipers Wheelset:Mavic w/ Mavic X221 Tires:Panaracer Fire XC Pro | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level bike. I bought it not knowing how heavily i would get into mountain biking and now have probably spent way too much money on it, but it rides like a dream! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Cross Country Rider
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Washington Crossing | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Jay's Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong Frame | | Weaknesses: | Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | 4300 | | Bike Setup: | FD: Deore LX, RD: Deore XT, Pedals: ATB System 3, and Seat: Trico. | | Bottom Line: |
Dear
Reader
I have done over four hundred miles in the last two months with this offering, and the following upgrades have made a significant impact on the final ride:
FD/Deore LX: A very well spent fourty dollars. This is a key upgrade that should be considered. A far better offering than the stock Acera-X.
RD/Deore XT: Looks nice and a far more accurate piece that the the original Deore. This offering may be overkill for the 4900, but it does improve the drivetrain.
Pedals/ATB System 3: A very well spent fourty dollars. This is a key upgrade that should be considered by any and all owners of the 4900.
Seat/Trico: Helps you tolerate the ten plus mile rides.
The 4900 is a very decent offering, and a good start in the MTB space.
Sincerely
Russell Ruggiero
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Bean
a Cross Country Rider
from Modesto, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dry Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Fun Sport Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame seems to be tough, all around solid bike. Mine is a 2003 model.Pilot forks are really smooth and yet have enough preload adj. for my weight. | | Weaknesses: | None surfaced so far. I do weigh 240 so I have been upgrading already. I am X motocross racer so have been easy on it until I change wheels and cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Added DH stem, RaceFace cranks, LX 9 sp. cassette, XT front der.,XTR chain, Deore 9-sp shifters, Rockshox seatpost, SDG saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike out handles my old Marlin and feels solid. This is a buy and ride bike for anyone of normal size and weight and for a $500 dollar bike can't be beat. 5 flaming jalepenos for this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CrazyCruzan
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Grahams Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Metro Bikes | | Strengths: | Great sturdy frame, great price, especially for a beginner like me. | | Weaknesses: | Questionable components. Bent back rim on the first trail ride. THE RIMS SUCK. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock components which include Hayes HMX 1 Disc brakes, Rockshox Judy TT... gel seat... thinking about getting some eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'2, 225lbs. For a beginner... I'm a bit of a daredevil, doing 3-4 foot drops on my first trail ride. I crashed 3times that day... the bike held up well until the 3rd crash when I did a taco on the front rim. That's where the disc brakes proved themselves... I banged the rim enough so it could rotate thru the fork... and I was able to ride back to the car. Stock rims won't last... I now have a pair of Sun RhinoLites... MUCH BETTER.
Great overall bike for a beginner... and has held up well considering my size and the abuse I've given it.
A 5 for value for a beginner bike with disc brakes
A 4 overall cause the rims suck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
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