Mountain Biking - Fork Questions and Differences

Hey, me again :D I have ditched the Specialized idea of a bike and looking at Treks and Giants. For Trek there is either the 4500 or the lower 4300. I know the components on the 4500 are somewhat better but im worried about the forks.

Trek 4500 Fork
RockShox Dart 3 w/preload, lockout, alloy steerer, 100mm
http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4500/

Trek 4300 Fork
RST Gila T8 w/preload, 100mm
http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300/

Which one is better or worth the extra money? Could you talk about experience with either one. Is there a big difference?

Needless to say, the fork on the higher-end bike is a better fork. The sad fact is though, they're both pretty much crap. Just about any fork on a bike at that price level is going to be weak. The nicer fork will treat you better, but if you're really concerned about the fork, plan to upgrade when you get the money, no matter which of the two bikes you go with.

If you have the money, I'd say get the 4500. You get a Deore RD, Avid brakes, and a slightly nicer crank. The shifters and FD are nicer too, though Alivio and Acera aren't really anything to phone home about, but if you get into the sport, you can upgrade them to Deore for not a lot of money. The other differences I see are the stem and tires. A good bike shop will swap out the stem when they're fitting you, so that shouldn't be a concern. And the tires...I hate Bontrager Jones, but that's because they're bad for the conditions I ride...they might be fine for you. No idea what Connection Trail are.

Needless to say, the fork on the higher-end bike is a better fork. The sad fact is though, they're both pretty much crap. Just about any fork on a bike at that price level is going to be weak. The nicer fork will treat you better, but if you're really concerned about the fork, plan to upgrade when you get the money, no matter which of the two bikes you go with.

If you have the money, I'd say get the 4500. You get a Deore RD, Avid brakes, and a slightly nicer crank. The shifters and FD are nicer too, though Alivio and Acera aren't really anything to phone home about, but if you get into the sport, you can upgrade them to Deore for not a lot of money. The other differences I see are the stem and tires. A good bike shop will swap out the stem when they're fitting you, so that shouldn't be a concern. And the tires...I hate Bontrager Jones, but that's because they're bad for the conditions I ride...they might be fine for you. No idea what Connection Trail are.

If i really got into the sport I would probably just buy a new bike. And once i buy this I won't have enough money to upgrade for a while. BTW, the stem is the part which holds the Handlebars to the bike right? Still a noob :)

Don't forget to take a look at the Giant XTC 2 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/mountain/1265/29356/). It's $700, as well, and I think it has better specs.

I must admit, I am a huge Giant fan!

Don't forget to take a look at the Giant XTC 2 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/mountain/1265/29356/). It's $700, as well, and I think it has better specs.

I must admit, I am a huge Giant fan!

Aha, thanks but no thanks. I got at the most a 500 dollar budget, bike only. Or else I would get a way better bike.

i consider the "dart" series the begining of decent forks. Don't underestimate how useful the lockout can be, depending on your riding. also the components are better in ways i think you will feel at that level. plus i like the paint better

i consider the "dart" series the begining of decent forks. Don't underestimate how useful the lockout can be, depending on your riding. also the components are better in ways i think you will feel at that level. plus i like the paint better

I see... I was thinking about the lockout too. I'm doing a small triathlon with a 10 Km ride which I presume is mostly sidewalk. Don't need to absorb anything. Wont be doing many of these unless i get into, mostly offroad, but when i need to lock, i have the choice. Its a good feature. And yeah, the paint does look better :P