Mountain Biking - RST Gila T7 or RockShox Dart 1

I am looking at either the Trek 4300 or 4500, and have had a lot of trouble finding much information about the RST Gila T7 shocks on the 4300. I found a few posts indicating that they are beginner level, relatively poor quality, but nothing about how they compare to other entry-level shocks. I'm thinking about spending the extra $130 ($390 for the 4300 and $520 for the 4500) for the better shocks, as well as the other upgraded components on the 4500. Is the increase in price justified, particularly where the shocks are concerned?

4300
Fork RST Gila T7, 80mm-travel
Front Derailleur Shimano
Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio
Brakes Tektro linear-pull
Assorted Bontrager and other parts

4500
Fork RockShox Dart 1, 80mm-travel
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Brakes Avid SD-3
Assorted Bontrager and other parts

Thanks, and sorry for another bikea vs bikeb thread.

Yes, I would say the cost is justified. Get the 4500. I have a 4300 and ended up upgrading my fork, brakes and crank to parts that are 4500 level or better. The RST fork seemed very stiff to me. The Rock Shox will give you a better ride in my opinion.

I am very familiar with these bikes and the Trek line. I have two Trek 4300's and a Trek 6000. The thing I would use to decide is: How much money do you have for accessories? $120 worth of accessories, like pump, spare tubes, shorts, jersey,computer,seat pack, shoes, clipless pedals, new saddle, etc. will be money much better spent when compared to any minimal gain you will get from going from the 4300 to the 4500.

Remember they are the same frame. I have a Rock Shox dart and I've had two RST forks, they are pretty similar. Very entry level forks which are basically just a spring with no dampening. They will be fine for most casual trail riding, but if you plan to do anything aggressive, there are much better forks for that.

Again, get the 4300 and buy $120 worth of accessories if you don't have money to buy them otherwise.

Just to let you know that the Dart has 100mm of travel.

Just to let you know that the Dart has 100mm of travel.

On the Trek 6000 it does, but on a 4500 it has 80mm.

I have a Trek 6000 with the Dart 1 and it works fine. I'm a new rider, so I don't do much in the way of "crazy" riding. I got on fire roads and single track and it works fine for those. My buddy's girlfriend has a Trek 4300 with the RST shock on it and she seems to ride around with us just fine with no problems.

On the Trek 6000 it does, but on a 4500 it has 80mm.

Oh, I know that it has 100mm on the Gary Fisher Wahoo too. I wonder why Trek likes 80mm of travel on their bikes?

Oh, I know that it has 100mm on the Gary Fisher Wahoo too. I wonder why Trek likes 80mm of travel on their bikes?

......becuse that what the bike is made for??

I ride my trek at 85mm most of the time...sometimes I'll crank it up to a hundred or even 115mm depending on the terrain and wether I'm going up or down hill :)
At 115 though its not quite as nimble...