I'm no expert on bike suspension. But here is a period review from 2007 that I dug up.
https://www.mtbr.com/threads/trek-4500.274020/
Hey there. I think the 4500 is a great choice for someone looking for their first real mountain bike with suspension. As you asked for pros and cons, here are my opinions:
PROS:
-Rebuildable, name-brand suspension fork. A must if you're going to do any serious offroading.
-A reliable drivetrain with good front and rear derailleurs. Not the lightest, but it's not hybrid/city bike crossover parts like the Alivio line.
-Separate brake/shift levers means you only have to replace the brake lever or the shifter when you crash hard. Trust me, this will happen at least once.
-Sturdy frameset with the nice lifetime warranty.
-A good value for a Deore-equipped bike.
CONS:
-Certainly not the lightest horse in the stable, could make for a slower climbing bike until your body catches up to the necessary fitness level.
-Hubs are not disc-compatible, should you wish to upgrade in the future.
-Wheels are not the sturdiest choice and may go out of true faster than a higher-level if used for heavy mountain riding.
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Carbon: Fuji SL2.1 Di2.......Aluminum: Cannondale Synapse 105........Steel: Vintage Specialized Sirrus
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