jaywo

A few years back bought myself a 2005 Trek 4300 hoping to get into mountain biking. I had always loved bike riding, but never had anything more than a low end MTB or a BMX. Not to say that the 4300 is anything extraordinary, but it was better than anything I had before and I loved it. After getting about two years of use from it, the bike sat in my garage until about 2 weeks ago, when I decided to go for a ride. I guess I forgot how much I love riding, but I am beginning to get serious again and I want to get some opinions regarding what I should do.

I feel like its definitely time to step myself up to the next level of bike, and I want to do so in the most economic way I can. What I am considering now is either buying better components for the Trek, or upgrading to a better bike (most likely used).

I am looking for a versatile set up. Something that I can do a bit of everything with, that is until I decide to get more serious about a certain type of riding. For now, I need something that is decent on the road because realistically that is where the majority of my riding will take place. But I also need something that can handle a beating, as I would consider myself an aggressive rider. I want to have a bike is speedy on the road, and can handle well on the trail while being able to hold up to the occasional jump. Hopefully something like this exists…

Anyway, I know I am giving pretty broad requirements for what I am looking for, but I am hoping someone can lead me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance.

Lebowski

i'd say get some slicks on the trek for city riding and buy a step up mountain bike. i've tried to upgrade a starter level mtb and it ended up costing around the same as buying another one that was better.

jjbod1

Amen to that reply, You took the words right out of my own mouth!!

jaywo

Yeah I actually considered that but wasn't sure if it was something that could be done. Apparently it can, so i will pick up a set. Do you recommend going with a fully slick of something with a little tread? Any recommendations on a specific set?

Also when I do decide to step up to a better bike, what do you think is the smartest way to get into something that fits my needs, based on what I said in the first post.

Thanks again.

Scratcher33

If you're only going to be using it on the road, I would recommend fully slick.

Lebowski

i'd say go for some that are atleast 2 inches wide, have minimal tread, and are nice and thick.

i'd say go to the local bike shop and browse around to start off. bikes are cheap this time of year especially if you live somewhere that has lots of snow.

frankenmike 

Sounds to me like you are describing the bicycle you already own.

Ka_Jun

+1