Mountain Biking - Finally...

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pjrocco
08-08-07, 01:00 PM
This Saturday I'm going to buy my new MTB. I've narrowed it down to three models.

Trek 4300, 3900 or 3700. This will be my first real MTB. I used to ride daily for years till about 5 years ago. I want to get back into it, but I don't want to spend too much money.

I have a $450 limit (with tax, etc...) What are your thoughts?

ken cummings
08-08-07, 01:18 PM
Is that $450 just for the bike? Or does it have to cover the stuff that you need in addition to the bike, like a pump, patch kit, and helmet. See if you can find a clean used one for less then $450.
pjrocco
08-08-07, 01:29 PM
Is that $450 just for the bike? Or does it have to cover the stuff that you need in addition to the bike, like a pump, patch kit, and helmet. See if you can find a clean used one for less then $450.

I have $450 for everything. If I buy a 4300 new, it will cost $428. I can spend an extra couple bucks for the essentials if need be.

I've been looking for a used bike, but I haven't had any luck.

pjrocco
08-09-07, 07:59 AM
No one else?
santiago
08-09-07, 08:04 AM
No one else?

Since you've narrowed it down to Treks this implies that this is the bike that feels the best to you. Since a given company's hardtails within a certain price range are really the same frame with different components, you are better off spending the most you can. If you were to buy a lower priced bike and later upgraded, it would cost you more than if you were to have bought the bike spec'ed that way to begin with.

Give yourself some room for the extras but bear in mind that you should be able to get some things for free (spare tubes, patch kit, tire levers) and other things at discount (helmet, pump, multi-tool).
pjrocco
08-09-07, 08:18 AM
My buddie said he would sell me his couple year old Gary Fisher Tarpon for $200. Thoughts?
santiago
08-09-07, 08:19 AM
My buddie said he would sell me his couple year old Gary Fisher Tarpon for $200. Thoughts?

What year is the bike?
paulwwalters
08-09-07, 08:26 AM
The Trek 4300 rocks! I just bought one, I got it for $416.
pjrocco
08-09-07, 09:34 AM
What year is the bike?

2004
santiago
08-09-07, 09:38 AM
2004

The bike's MSRP is 310. We're heading into the end of the season and if you find a LBS with one in stock, I suspect you can get it in the upper 200s. Sounds too much too me for a 3-4 year old bike.