Mountain Biking - Help, suggestions upgrade my current bike or buy a new frame

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B1105
03-31-03, 06:54 AM
Hey there, I currently have a trek 4300, 2001 and I wanted to upgrade the parts to LX/XT/XTR level. The frame is not light at all, probably 4-5 lbs and the total weight is around 25lbs or so. I was wondering whether its worth upgrading now. It is a 16.5 in frame, and I am about 5'7". Will this frame last me long enough to justify spening the parts. Otherwise I would look for another larger hardtail frame such as a homegrown or klein attitude. I could probably get the parts cheap to upgrade as there is a bike flea market coming up. Thanks
byron

a2psyklnut
03-31-03, 07:32 AM
The frame isn't bad, it's a bit towards the entry level, but who cares. I'd say upgrade away! If you do damage the frame, you could always swap your upgraded components to a new frame.

The only things that might not fit a new frame, are the seatpost and the front derailleur. However, those are NOT really pricey parts. You can get an XT front derailleur for $15 online on closeout. Seatposts are pretty much a guess. Seems most are now 27.2, but many companies are switching to a bigger diameter seat tube. Either way, an expensive one is $75.00, and cheap ones are $15.00, so it all depends on your budget!

The fork is the first thing I'd upgrade. You can get some decent deals on last years forks.

L8R
a2psyklnut
03-31-03, 07:39 AM
I just did some looking over at Trek's website. It looks like the same frame all the way up to and including the the 4900. Definately worth upgrading!

Good Luck & L8R

Maelstrom
03-31-03, 10:23 AM
Since a2 told you what you upgrade...I will agree and say just upgrade...don't bother with a new frame unless you don't like the bike or the geometry
The Toninator
03-31-03, 01:37 PM
No you totally need one of these
http://64.227.152.248/images2/bike_tideluxe_large.jpg
or one of these
http://www.moots.com/images/fr-mtn-rigormootis.jpg

lastly
http://www.deanbikes.com/colonel/colonel_03.jpg
tFUnK
03-31-03, 04:10 PM
i'm not a fan of the 4300's geometry, but if you are happy with it, then it's worth the upgrade =].