pacu1

I am new to mountain biking, I have not been into bikes since I was a kid and I'm looking to get a trek either the 4500 or the 6500, which of these two bikes would you recommend and why?
pacu1

iamlucky13

Unless your budget is tight and you're not sure if you're really interested in mountain biking, I generally recommend going with the nicer of two choices. While the 6500 is not a giant leap ahead of the 4500, there will be some subtle differences, and I think a lot of people, myself included, often regret not dropping a few extra bucks at the start.

That said, I own a 2002 4500 and I'm very pleased with it. Sure, I wish I had a smoother drivetrain and a better fork and wheels and that it weighed less, but it's proven to be a good bike overall. There is one positive result in not spending more in my case. I've decided I want to do more intense riding, so that decision left me a little bit more to spend on a really nice full-suspension trail bike. The 6500 has slightly better components and a more XC-oriented geometry due to the lower stem.

By the way, don't forget that Trek isn't your only option. There's also Specialized, Giant, Kona, Jamis and a host of smaller companies that all produce good mountain bikes. There's small differences between each in the component packages and geometry and you may find some fit your body and riding style better than others.

joelsp

I may be biased here. I just bought a 2005 trek 4500, and I love it. The fork could be better, but it's extremely good for the price. At least I think. The 6500 is only slightly better component wise, which is why I didn't spring for it. Though admittedly, I know nothing about the performance of the Manitou fork it has. It may well be far superior to the Judy.

pacu1

well thanks for your advice, so if I was to go with the 4500 can I later upgrade the components on this bike and will it be worth it?
pacu1

cyccommute 

In general upgrades cost far more than original equipment. If you look at the 6500 and compare the components to the 4500 and then price out the cost of the upgrades you'll see that buy the parts off the shelf will cost much more than the price difference between the two bikes.

I upgrade my bikes all the time and tweeking the bike is part of what makes bicycling fun but be aware that it is expensive.

pacu1

So you recommend me getting the trek 6500...cool. But between the 2 bikes (trek 4500, 6500) which of the two are the most important components to consider on each bike?
pacu1

bikin'wrench

IN general, you get what you pay for. The 6500 has a lot better wheelset and a much better fork.The 4500 is great for the money, but if you can swing the 6500, then get it. There really isn't much to compare.The 6500 is more expensive and has the components to back up the price differince. The 4500 is doable, and probably weighs from 5- 10 pounds more.

cyccommute 

Man! You're gonna make me go look it up?

I'd say look at

The frame: The frame on the 6500 is a bit longer in the top tube which would make it a more agressive bike. This will make it a bike you might not feel at home on when you start riding but it will grow with your abilities unlike the 4500. It's also made of a better grade of aluminum.

The brakes: The brakes on the 4500 are okay. They are mechanicals which are easier to work on. The brakes on the 6500 are hydraulic which makes them futzier to work on but the lever feel may be better.

The shock: The shock on the 6500 is a better quality shock with a lockout when you want to ride to a trial instead of driving there.

The wheels: Hubs are a slightly better quality on the 6500 than the 4500.

Ride both and see what you think. The 4500 will be more upright and may feel better in the parking lot while the 6500 may seem roomier and slightly uncomfortable. On rough terrain, the upright ride will make you less comfortable than the roomier bike. The 4500 will feel like you have a pile driver up your spine.

pacu1

Again thanks for all your help guys, I think I'll go with the 6500 then. The bike shop here where I live in NYC has the 6500 for $569 and the 4500 for $420
pacu1

cyccommute 

That's a really good price for the 6500.