Hi, I took my bike into the shop today to get repaired, and two bikes caught my eye, the Trek 4100 Alpha and the Trek 820. I am planning to buy one of these bikes when I go back to get my Trek 6500(it's getting repaired). I went on the Trek site, and it shows that the 820 has a steel/cro-moly frame while the 4100 has an Alpha Aluminum frame.. I realize that the 820 is going to be heavier and stronger, while the 4100 is going to be lighter and weaker. Is the 4100 going to be that much easier to ride because of the weight difference over the 820? The 4100 has a InSync Grind 320 fork (70mm travel) while the 820 has a RST 191CL fork (63mm travel) I am mainly going to use this bike to commute around. I already have a Trek 6500, so this will be my second mountain bike. Thanks!

no offense or any thing, but why bother? you have a nice mountian bike, why bother getting a crummier one?

the insync fork is a really horrible fork. I was looking at mountain bikes in that price range for a while, and that is a really crummy fork. I doubt that the RST would be much better.

That aside, there are nicer bikes out there in this price range. look at the specialized hardrock. IMHO, it is the best value out there in that price range.

Ill second Phatman. Your bike is comprable to the 4100. I would save your money, and look for something with LX/XT. There are some amazing deals on MTBR for used hardtails. In the end, if you want to get more serious about mtbiking, then you will want a lighter bike and a better fork and wheels. So I would hold off for now.

Ok.. Thanks for your opinion.. Anyone else? I am not looking for recommendations for other bikes I am looking for help on which one of these bikes to get. I am sticking with trek.

I am just looking for a commuter mountain bike I am not looking to get serious about mountain bikes.

Oh ok, sorry, I would say get the 4100 then as its a ncie step up in terms of components.

Thanks If I was to look at a better mountain bike under $300 which ones would you recommend? Remember I will be mostly commuting around town, and maybe go on a few trails.

The Trek should serve you fine for communting arond/light trails. I would also look at what Giant has to offer if you are willing to change brands. Giant is usually pretty goood about giving you a lot for your money. If you ever decide that you would really like to get into mountain biking, don't cheat yourself out of a good experience on the trails - you will find much better performance in terms of real off-road riding by going a bit more expensive. For sommuting, though, it seems fine.


-Moab

Well I only have $300 to spend. I think I am going to give the 820 and the 4100 a test ride on thursday. They had a lot of giants for under $300, do you know which specific model would be best?

If you got $300 to spend, upgrade your 6500. Do whatever you need. I wouldn't even bother getting another one unless you really NEED one. I agree with Phatman. I got an older 7000 on eBay and it works for me. I wish I had $300 to spend on it....

yeah don't you already have a bike? if you really need a commuter look in used classifieds find yourself a commuter for $50 and save the $250 for your 6500.

Ok thanks.. What all should I do to my 6500 to make it a good mountain bike?? Here is a picture of it, it is an older version that's why I wanted to get a new bike.

RS SID Fork on eBay: $200
Shimano XT 9-spd Group upgrade with cranks: $150
Lighter, racier seat: $80
Clipless pedals w/ shoes: $60
Avid ArchRivals with SD7 handles: $80
Better bike you feel GOOD about: $Priceless

Hmm.. Ok that's a little over my $300 budget, lol.

I guess I'd go with the XT stuff and the pedals first.

Well i'm not much of a fan of clipless pedals, so I was thinking maybe a new shock and v-brakes.

My 7000 is basically the same as your 6500. Only difference is prolly the color. I love this bike, and the only thing I'd get in addition to it would be a road bike (for those long hauls).

Is that the STX drivetrain you got there?

Hope you guys don't mind me asking so many questions but I have another idea... I have a guy thatll give me this:
Trek 4500
Polished Aluminum with black and red decals.
Frame measures 16.5" centre to top. Top tube measures 21.25" c-c actual. Headtube measure 3.5". Chainstays measure 16.75".
Some minor scratches, but no visible cracks or dents. Decals are in good shape under the clearcoat. Overall the frame LOOKS GOOD.
Some features of this frame are: downtube gusset at headtube, wishbone rear seatstays, fender and rack braze-ons, top of toptube cable routing, replaceable derailleur hanger, two waterbottle cage mounts.
This frame is stiff, lightweight, but built sturdy with good tire clearance and beefed up headtube junction with oversize Alpha Custom aluminum tubing.
Red SID 100 is in very good shape. NO scratches on the stanchions, very few on the lowers.
These forks do not leak air or oil and have no noticeable bushing play



For $250.00.. What do you think about that?
Here's a picture:

Sorry, I am not really sure if mine has a STX drivetrain, I am new to the mountain bike world. I would go check, but I am getting the rear gear cluster replaced right now.

I'd buy the fork offa him for $150

He says he wants to sell it with it because it is cut just for it.. So the whole thing together isn't worth $250?

not a fan of the frame, but i'd go for the fork. but if you look around, SID's are going for as low as $50-100 if you're lucky. why would you want to accumulate an extra frame? but $250 for frame and fork isn't necessarily a bad price, but consider by the time you build that frame up, you'd spend a lot of money on a basic trek 4500 ($300 bike new).

anyway, why are you trying to upgrade your bike? is it not serving you well enough? i mean what exactly is wrong with it? i can imagine the fork needing replacement, but other than that, is there something troubling you with the drivetrain? v-brakes would be a good addition, if you must upgrade something. then look on mtbr or craigslist.org to find a cheap used (decent) fork.

I am looking for a better shock and better brakes.. That's why I said I want to upgrade the brakes and the shock.

my mistake i read from the earlier post said something about replacing whole drivetrain i reread it =]

lol, ok.. I am still going to test ride the 820 and 4100.. If I like one of them i'll buy it. It's not a huge deal, I want a back-up bike. A bike that I can use if my 6500 breaks down (like it usually does). A bike that my friends can use when they come over. I am not looking to save up $1000 so I can buy a bike that you guys approve of. I am looking for a bike from a quality brand that'll last. Thanks for all your help.