Foo - Time to make the decision

So i am a beginner in MTB's and checked out what the LBS has and what i can order. Here is what i am stuck between.The Trek 3700 and 4300 are good bikes,tough, and aren't hard on my wallet. The Gary Fisher Tarpon is pretty nice but has low end components. I checked out some Jamis bikes at another shop, they are a bit lower in quality but still pretty nice. They also had some Raleigh's and Giants, which i read are pure crap. So i am trying to see what will be best, the Trek 3700, 4300 or the Gary Fisher Tarpon. This bike will be used to hit small trails, some jumps, but mostly pavement. I don't want to be bringing the bike back every other week to get it fixed. So anyone have anything to help me out? Any tips or info about these bikes? I am still looking around so if you think something will be better for me please tell me.

P.S Max i will be spending is $400.

1. Giants are nice.

2. Learn how to fix your own bike.

3. Die in a house fire for not putting this in a bike forum, and using up my intrawebnets.

I had a 4300, a 2002 one. I went anywhere from 10-15 miles a day on that bike, and it would handle me doing some jumps and everything.

not sure you'll get the right answers in foo...maybe try the mountain biking forum? now, if you need relationship advice, computer help, dream analysis, homework answers, or just want to post the first things that pops into your head...then foo is for you.

1. Giants are nice.

2. Learn how to fix your own bike.

3. Die in a house fire for not putting this in a bike forum, and using up my intrawebnets.
Learn how to fix my own bike? Excuse me but i restored 2 bikes, both are from 1976. I don't have the tools to work on brand new bikes. May not seem like an expensive bike to you, but to me the investments i make are treated well.I put this in a bike forum, which people say get a used bike. So i know Foo is more friendly, if you don't like me making this thread, then don't bother reading.

Learn how to fix my own bike? Excuse me but i restored 2 bikes, both are from 1976. I don't have the tools to work on brand new bikes. May not seem like an expensive bike to you, but to me the investments i make are treated well.I put this in a bike forum, which people say get a used bike. So i know Foo is more friendly, if you don't like me making this thread, then don't bother reading.


If you restored two bikes, then you should know that it takes a 4mm and a 5mm allen to fix just about ANYTHING on a bike.

If you restored two bikes, then you should know that it takes a 4mm and a 5mm allen to fix just about ANYTHING on a bike.
Last time i checked all old components use adjustable wrenches or 10mm wrenches, sometimes even 8mm. You cannot fix ANYTHING on an old bike with just allen wrenches.

ha!!! Just when I mention him in a new "FOOsters who are MIA" thread, he shows up.


Hiya Russiankdi. :)

Older bikes are way harder to work on.

I carry a 3/4/5mm allen set attatched to a tire lever in my saddle bag and a spare power link taped to the bottom of my seat. If I break something that these tools cannot fix, something went very wrong.

Retrogrouch\ Older bikes are easier to work on. Retrogrouch/

But anyways, I would get the Trek 4300. It looked sweet, maby not the yellow though.

Retrogrouch\ Older bikes are easier to work on. Retrogrouch/

But anyways, I would get the Trek 4300. It looked sweet, maby not the yellow though.
Actually the yellow looked pretty cool. I am leaning towards the 4300 but we'll see.

Older bikes are way harder to work on.

I carry a 3/4/5mm allen set attatched to a tire lever in my saddle bag and a spare power link taped to the bottom of my seat. If I break something that these tools cannot fix, something went very wrong.
You need to know older bikes, they are fairly simple IMO.