So I have been upgrading my trek 4300 slowly and have replaced the shifter, R/D, chain and cassette with XT, added new XC bars and stem, and Avid 3 brakes. Looking to upgrade the wheel sets, cranks w BB and fork. Just wanted to know what ya'll think would be the best choice to upgrade first. This is what I have currently on the bike:
Wheel sets, Shimano M475 hubs with Bontrager Ranger rims 14g stainless steel spokes 36 Hole.
Crank set, Shimano M311 22/32/42 w/non-changeable chain rings, and a square taper BB
Fork, OEM Spinner 300 hyd w/ lock out.

The type of riding I do is mostly single track XC with some good amount of rock gardens to ride through and over.
Thanks in advance for the help and advise.

...I'm a big fan of wheel set upgrades. I don't know what your new set will weigh compared to what you are riding now, but if they will be lighter, I would definitely go for the wheels first unless your existing fork is totally dead.

Bill J.

It sounds like you have spent a good bit on upgrades so far, but you still have two big ticket items left...fork and wheelset. You may want to at least consider saving up for a different bike before dropping more money on the 4300. Of course, you can always take the upgrades over to a new frame, but your choices will be limited.

To answer your question, I would go for a new fork without a doubt. The wheelset and crank/bb are heavy, but also reliable. A good fork is going to be much lighter and better performing than what you are currently running. Also need to take your budget into account...if you have less to spend, then replacing the crank may be a better option.

First off specbill, how is life in Tehachapi, my folk live there now, I am from lancaster. I was thinking wheel set too, for the simple fact mine are a bit on the heavy side and you can hear and feel the bearings. Thanks

Time to get on my soap box. I'd upgrade the fork. I'm a big fan of buying used Fox forks off of ebay. Wheelset is a big item that will help, but the biggest difference, short of buying a new bike, that I've ever experienced was installing a top end fork.
If you do your own work, I'd stay on track with the upgrades. If you're having a shop do it, I'd seriously think about a new/used upgraded bike.

If you are looking at fork and wheel replacement, you are soon getting to a point where you will get better value for money in buying a complete bike.

The Trek 4300 is a decent entery level bike, but would look at saving the money for a better bike, and only replacing if it is worn out or broken; as this will be better value in the long term.