Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
Bart5657
09-23-04, 09:10 PM
Hey guys. I have a Specialized Allez Triple for road riding, and a cheap toys r us bike for gettig around town. Im thinking about getting a 4300 for getting around town and putting some slick 1.5in tires on it. I was just woundering, do you think the 4300 is a practical bike for touring, or will it take way to much effort and im just being silly? Thx
Alrocket
09-24-04, 03:43 AM
I've just done a 2 week self supported tour on a Trek 4300. See http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=56249 for more details.
Alrocket
09-24-04, 04:31 AM
The stock Suntour crankset is weak: the left (non-drive) crank is bad - where the square drive shaft goes through to attach the crank quickly wore, so the arm moves back and forth even when completely tight - it needs a new crank (on order, under warranty). I will upgrade the crankset completely as one of the first upgrades, depending on the performance of the replacement (good news from LBS: getting a nice HollowTech crankset replacement!).
The front breaks occasionally squeal, but that's sorted out by toeing them in properly (google for more info).
I've had no problems with the fork, though only been XC riding a little. Plan to swap for a rigid for weight reasons.
Currently setup for touring:
Stock wheels, fork, frame, drivechain, saddle.
Tyres: 1.3" Continental Sport Contact (completely slick - great tyres, highly recommended).
Flat alloy bars w/ stock grips, aerobar, reversed (flipped) stem, Trek rear rack (which ain't great), Wellgo WPD-801 SPDs (excellent pedals, esp for the price).
Recommend the tyres - very nice :)
Feel free to ask more - I'll be posting more info about this tour and bike pics maybe during the weekend.
Al.