Originally Posted by Help Im A Noob
hehe cool i have a trek 4300 too! blue n silver is supposivly the only model/color that trek made at the time. how old are you?
22 here, but just getting interested in biking on a regular basis. Trek's website shows different colors of the 2006 model 4300, but the bike shop hadn't heard of the alternate color on that model year at all, so I'm not sure what's up with that.
Originally Posted by Portis
The thing that is unusual is that your LBS has one and can't tell you about the changes. Simply set the bikes side by side and look. Chances are that the changes are very, very minor.
Since the LBS had just received the bike that day, I'm presuming the lack of knowledge on it was due to its newnessosityishnitude...ness... of the model (
).
As of right now I'm leaning toward the '06 if they have any size 18 frames of it, else the 2007, although I do like the paintjob on the '07 better.
The 2007 looks nicer but when we looked over the components at the LBS, they all looked to be the same; same derailleurs, cranks, pedals, seat, fork, and pretty sure the frame and handlebars were the same as well. If there really aren't any better components, I don't know if I can justify the 20 dollar price difference for just a prettier paint job.
I'll be heading back to the LBS on Monday to check things out in a bit more detail and get some more test riding done to see how things feel.
One question I have is whether there would be any cautionary warnings against getting the newest model year before it's been out for a while so people can review it? As I mentioned briefly, this seems similar in some ways to car buying, and I know in general it's best to get reviews of cars before buying them, especially when they come out with a new model year. Are there any such worries with bikes?
Also, I'm curious what I should look for in regards to height and ease of mount/dismount from the bike. The size 18 frame had the seat up pretty high and was slightly awkward in getting on and off of it. Are there general rules of how high the seat should be in relation to the bars?
Again, any pointers are welcomed =)