Mountain Biking - Trek 4500 or Giant Iguana?

Wich bike is better: Giant Iguana Disc or Trek 4500 Disc? Both bikes are in my price range and i appreciate some help deciding.

Thanks!

Strangly, even though I have a Trek 4500 Disc, It looks like the Iguana is the better buy component wise. So as far as value, the Giant wins. But in the end, it matters a bit more how they ride for you. So for all I know the Trek may feel like the best bike ever, but the Giant might feel like junk, or vice-versa. If you like the way both ride, than the Giant seems to win this battle

I have been riding a Giant Iguana since June of 04, good bike, ok components. I have over 1700 trail miles on mine, replaced the front fork, (factory Manitou Six Sport, not the best), rear wheel, crankset, chain and freewheel.
The fork was not designed for my weight, (240lbs), so it cracked at the arch, and was contiually bottoming out. replaced at approx 400 miles.
In 05, I started breaking spokes on a bi-weekly basis, breaks caused by stress, no impact, so I replaced the factory wheel. Factory wheel held up for approx 800 miles.
I hit a rock and badly bent the big chain ring and slightly bent the middle ring. As they were braded in place instead of bolted, I replaced the crankset, chain and freewheel at approx 1200 miles. The chain and freewheel were worn and need replacement.
Given the price, and the fact that it was available in a 23in aluminum frame, I am please with the bike. The replacments that I have done are due mostly to normal wear and tear from a near 250lb mountain bike rider.

Wich bike is better: Giant Iguana Disc or Trek 4500 Disc? Both bikes are in my price range and i appreciate some help deciding.

Thanks!


Ride them both and pick the one that feels the BEST!!! At this level that is what is most important. Componets are important but at this price range the difference between componets is neglagable.(spelling?)

Are these bikes (4500, Iguana) considered "light" mountain bikes?

Are these bikes (4500, Iguana) considered "light" mountain bikes?

I can't speak for the Iguana, but I am sure it is about the same weight if not a little lighter than a 4500. My 4500 isn't a lean mean cross-country machine (meaning like sub 25 pounds) But it isn't overly heavy.
It is probably about 30 pounds, but that is just a guess really. It may be more due to the heavy fork that comes on it stock. If you swap out the fork though, It is a good bit lighter I am sure. Same goes for the wheels. So while they aren't super light, they are probably medium light if I had to put a word or two on it.

I wouldn't call them light but you're not in a 'light' price range. But the bikes shouldn't feel heavy to you.

I just got a giant iguana at my bike shop. I couldn't pass it up for $466.

I think the iguana has better components such as a 9 speed cassette vs 4500's 8 speed.