Mountain Biking - 4300 Disc vs. 4500 V-brake (for novice)

I'm going to dump my ancient Aggressor soon and have been looking at these two setups. I'll be on fairly light trails maybe 3 to 4 times per week. Are the discs on the 4300 good enough for light trail duty or am I better off spending a couple of extra bucks, dumping the discs, and getting the 4500 for the better components? What should I expect to pay for either of these setups? I haven't done any wheeling and dealing yet, just called a few local shops and the going rate for the 4300 disc is $420. Fair price? Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

I would suggest the 4500 it has better components all around. The disk brakes that come with the 4300 are on the low end. You can always add disk to the 4500 they can cost around $200 rather than spending more money later upgrading components & brackes on the 4300. Just my 2 cents

The 4500 is the way to go. I just bought one 2 weeks ago and I love it. You can add teh disc to them as well with the way it is from factory. Also the 4500 has a better front fork setup as well.

If you must do Trek and it has to be one of those two get the 4500 and upgrade later. As the others have said the 4300's discs aren't worth it

What do you guys think about going with a 4300 or even a 3700 and using the difference in $$ to do upgrades on my own? For the cost difference can I get better components than what I'm paying Trek to put on the 4500?

What do you guys think about going with a 4300 or even a 3700 and using the difference in $$ to do upgrades on my own? For the cost difference can I get better components than what I'm paying Trek to put on the 4500?

No because the upgrades are across the board. You do know there is a disc version of the 4500 right(Rally Blue w/ metallic Black)?

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/4500/index.php

What do you guys think about going with a 4300 or even a 3700 and using the difference in $$ to do upgrades on my own? For the cost difference can I get better components than what I'm paying Trek to put on the 4500?

Absolutely not. You will spend a ton taking a 3700 to a 4500 level. The fork upgrade alone would probably cost you nearly $200. Like others have said, the 4500 is the most bang for the buck. Upgrading these bikes is ok if done over a long period of time. Upgrading a new one is ludicrous.

I don't think you need disc brakes for light trail use. Go with the 4500.

I just bought my 4500 over the 4300 disc the 4500 is a superior bike. Vastly better Fork, and Shifters. Get the 4500 and add a good set of mechanial discs when you wear out the stock brakes.

as for the 4500 disc it is $100 more than the standard 4500 and in my opinion it is better to spend around $150-200 on the avid BB7 discs, which again in my opinon are far better discs than OE.

Upgrading is always more exspensive than buying what is on the bike. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you go for the lesser bike. A better fork is more important than than a cheap disc set-up. If the 4500 is a little out of your budget then wait, patience is a virtue, and worth it on the long run.

Looks like the 4500 is the right direction.

Now, I've been reading much about the Specialized Hardrock but from briefly looking at the frame geometry it looks more like a dirt jumper than a direct competitor to the Trek 4500. Like I said before I'll mainly be doing a mix of road, light trail, and mild backwoods time. The majority of it light trails. Should I also give the Specialized a look? Any other suggestions before I head out for a couple of test rides?

Should I also give the Specialized a look? Any other suggestions before I head out for a couple of test rides?
Yeah: Test ride all the bikes you can before you decide

The Hardrock does have a noticeably different geometry and will feel significantly different than the Trek. If there's dealers in your area, also check out bikes by Giant and Jamis and any others.

By the way, I've had a Trek 4500 for 2 1/2 years now, and I've got no complaints for the price.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm going to try and get out to the shops in town tomorrow after work and this weekend for a couple of rides.

Do you guys ever get the shops to throw in a couple of goodies? Bottle cage? Upgraded saddle for cheap? I'm great at dealing on buying a car but I've never bought a new bike! Don't know what's fair game.

at a good bike shop Yes you can haggle & get what you want. The shops I go to will gladly hook you up with accys for well under MSRP if you have bought new bikes there before.

I just bought my 4500 over the 4300 disc the 4500 is a superior bike. Vastly better Fork, and Shifters. Get the 4500 and add a good set of mechanial discs when you wear out the stock brakes.

as for the 4500 disc it is $100 more than the standard 4500 and in my opinion it is better to spend around $150-200 on the avid BB7 discs, which again in my opinon are far better discs than OE.

I recently bought the 4500 as well, great bike. I Bought the disc-equipped option though.
The Non-Disc Model was about 500, the disc model was 600. The Disc's are nice too, WTB's.
Plus, i liked the blue/black look.
The only future upgrades I can think of now are maybe Some LX components.

Maybe better tires.