Mountain Biking - Trek 4500

Well I'm not sure if I like this bike becuase I don't have it yet.
And, I read alot of bad and good reviews on the thing. Now I wanna back away from it but I already put it on layaway and they just ordered the thing from Trek. So basicly I'm a teenager getting into MTB and I weigh only 92 lbs. 92.6 to be exact. But anyway I'll ride hard and I wanna know if I should get any starting upgrades and any advice (bikingwise).

The Trek is a good bike for the money. You're so light, you're not gonna abuse it, and it's a good place to start. Sure there are better more expensive bikes available, but the Trek is a good bike from a strong company with a great warranty!

Get the bike! Get a helmet! Get Dirty! Get a Smile!

L8R

nah, it's a good bike for the money. pay no attention to the warning sticker on the side of the head tube.

I've got a 4500. I think it's a great bike for someone in your position. It will be perfect for learning the ropes of Mtb'ing and getting around.

Should you get starting upgrades? I would say no. First off, if you're buying a new bike, you're usually better off to go with the next one up and get a total package upgrade rather than one piece. Secondly, you'll want to ride it for a while before you upgrade. Then you'll know what you like and what parts you find lacking.

Advice: wear a helmet! Even the best riders crash on occasion, and some things are beyond your control. Keep everything lubricated. Get yourself some spare tubes and the basic tools (allen wrenches, screwdrivers, probably a chain tool, too). And of course, have fun and don't let mom see you doing crazy stunts! :D

I agree with IMLUCKY. That is a good bike to start with. I would not worry about upgrades until something breaks. You might want to get a wedge pack to keep some tools and tubes in and possibly some gloves. By the way did you get the 03 or 04 model? The reason I ask is because the 04's are comming out and you may find a killer deal on an 03. Ride well and have fun.

I got the 04 and the good thing is I looked at it and it has a better frame and rear derailler.

Does anyone know if I should at least get cliplesss pedals?

yes, if you plan on riding a lot. Decide on what type of pedal you want, ie. one with a platform to stand on or without. The platform is nice to have IMO because it allows you to pedal well while not clipped in.

what ever you do, at least get a fairly decent set of clipless pedals. Plan on spending at least $80 (US). anything less will not work that well and you will end up hating them. Keep in mind that if you get pedals you need shoes that will work with them.

Since you are just now getting the bike, I would wait a few weeks before putting on clipless pedals. That way you will have enough time to get used to how the bike handles and have enough time to select a good pedal to buy.

OK I think ill do that. and were you talking about those shimano pedals that are clipless and platform?

theres's a pedal that has 1 side platform and other sides clip in I believe.

I was actually thinking mor ealong the lines of the Time Z's or the Crank Bro.s Mallet C. Both have recieved very good reviews. not too cheap at around $100 but well worth it IMO.

If you don't do a lot of technical trails where you need to be clipped out a lot then save some weight/ money and go for a standard clipless pedal. I'm sure there are a lot of people on here who could recommend pedals for you and whatever price range you are looking at.

well i live in southern florida so its not to technical down here pretty much flat but alot of damn roots and clipless give u more overall power than platform.

just dont go with a pedal that has a clip on one side and a platform on the other. No matter which side you want to stand on, the other one will be on top. having to always check the rotation of your pedals will distract you from riding and might cause you to wreck.