Originally Posted by sirzepp

OK, I know I probably "closed the barn door after the horse was already gone"(in reference to an earlier quote), but I guess I just need a little reassurance that I didn't totally screw the pooch. You see, I bought a Trek 4900 at the LBS near my house. I didn't know what I was doing, really, and went into the store my friends recommended. The salesman walked me over to the 2004 4900 that was on sale for $469 and showed me all the stuff...then we fitted me for a 21" frame and I was a brand new mountain bike owner. I have since been reading about stuff on here and it sounds like I might have been able to get better components on a different bike. 2 questions...1. Are components in this range extremely important? 2. Is the 4900 frame and Pilot C front fork worth the "downgrade" in other components? I know I got the bike for a 100 bucks off retail, but I am still wondering if I should have shopped around more. Again, the bike felt great...but I don't have that much experience. This is kind of pointless...because what's done is done...I just don't want to regret my decision down the road/trail. Sheesh...

Zepp