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10-14-10, 04:01 PM
Looking to get a new bike. Last one I had was a Trek mountain bike back in college (300 I think). Had to toss it a couple of years after college because I wasn't riding anymore and it had rusted to hell (thanks UCF for not giving us bike covers or allowing bikes in the dorms!). Friend got a Trek hardtail 3700 two weeks ago and now I'm looking for one. Since I'm in Orlando, FL (and haven't been on a bike in ages), I'm not looking to do a century run or Mt. Rainer or anything just yet. Just initially some local paved / dirt paths and whatever fun stuff I can find. Maybe one day I'll do a century run that I've been reading about, maybe not :)
After reading this sticky (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?67259-Please-Read-Before-asking-Question-MTB-FAQ.) it looks like I'm on the right track for a "recreational" mountain bike. Currently looking at Trek hardtails (closest bike store only has Trek and the guys are very knowledgeable):
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/compare/#/3900disc,4300disc,police (Note: site was down as of this posting, but I'm assuming it'll be back up later).
Yes, I know the police model is probably overkill, but it's on the list because I'd rather overspend a bit and get something that would last longer (in terms of functionality). Will I get it? Doubtful, but what the hey, throw it on the list and see what people say :) Either way I'm leaning towards getting the Trek 3900.
So the main question I have is concerning the 3900 vs. 4300, as well as disc vs non-disc. Please keep in mind I know nothing about the quality of the various components. Yes, I'm aware that testing the bikes is the only true way to pick a bike, but at the same time if they feel the same to me when I go over to test them in a couple of days, then I'm back to looking at the quality / bang for the buck.
1. If I'm reading that FAQ correctly as well as info on the net, it seems like the component differences in the two models are pretty close to each other, and that since it's been a while, I probably wouldn't notice the difference. Having said that, can you think of a reason that I should get the 4300 over the 3900?
2. Also read the bit about disc brakes on a bike at this low pricepoint. Since I have no idea if those 2 models suck when compared to higher models, would the disc brake versions of the 3900 and 4300 even be worth it, or as the FAQ said, ~"they'd do no good when the rest of your bike sucks"?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can throw my way!
After reading this sticky (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?67259-Please-Read-Before-asking-Question-MTB-FAQ.) it looks like I'm on the right track for a "recreational" mountain bike. Currently looking at Trek hardtails (closest bike store only has Trek and the guys are very knowledgeable):
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/compare/#/3900disc,4300disc,police (Note: site was down as of this posting, but I'm assuming it'll be back up later).
Yes, I know the police model is probably overkill, but it's on the list because I'd rather overspend a bit and get something that would last longer (in terms of functionality). Will I get it? Doubtful, but what the hey, throw it on the list and see what people say :) Either way I'm leaning towards getting the Trek 3900.
So the main question I have is concerning the 3900 vs. 4300, as well as disc vs non-disc. Please keep in mind I know nothing about the quality of the various components. Yes, I'm aware that testing the bikes is the only true way to pick a bike, but at the same time if they feel the same to me when I go over to test them in a couple of days, then I'm back to looking at the quality / bang for the buck.
1. If I'm reading that FAQ correctly as well as info on the net, it seems like the component differences in the two models are pretty close to each other, and that since it's been a while, I probably wouldn't notice the difference. Having said that, can you think of a reason that I should get the 4300 over the 3900?
2. Also read the bit about disc brakes on a bike at this low pricepoint. Since I have no idea if those 2 models suck when compared to higher models, would the disc brake versions of the 3900 and 4300 even be worth it, or as the FAQ said, ~"they'd do no good when the rest of your bike sucks"?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can throw my way!