Hello, I am currently trying to get a mountain bike, and I have a pretty small budget. I usually just ride my redline bmx on dirt jumps, but I really want something that I can take on trails. I found a used trek 4300 for $160 that fits me well and rides well, but I wanted to know if I am making the right choice for the money. It is a 2005 without disc brakes, and it has an rst front fork. Here is a picture of the bike. All is in working condition.

I'd say that's a 2002 model.

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Searc....aspx?id=37556

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallac...7610775694322/

If it fits and you like it then I say go for it. Just up until last year I was riding a 3700 but I had upgraded the fork and converted it to disc. Very easy to do down the road. Trek has a rear disc conversion bracket and new forks will already allow discs.

Thanks for the reply! I definitely agree with you. Would you say this would be the right bike for the price? I am 6'3 and the bike is a 19.5".

Actually, if you are that tall then the bike is somewhat small. I am 6'2 and I ride an XL 22" frame. If you like it then its easier to stretch out a small frame than trying to shrink a frame thats too big

Thanks for the sizing advice. Does anyone know if the bike is worth around $175 or not?

Offer the guy $150 or less. If not then I would move on and find something else

One of the links I posted puts it's value at a lot less.
That bike is 12 years old and only would of cost $340 when new.

Find a bike with a 21" frame and see how that fits.

I of course advocate the 4300 'cause it's a fun bike to turn into a sleeper. Those frames may not be pretty but they're bombproof and will handle some nice upgrades.

I actually tend to like smaller frames because I mainly ride bmx, but I will probably need move up eventually. Would this bike even be worth upgrading at around $150?

What would you want to upgrade on it and why?

The link I put up puts a rough value on that 2002 model bike at about $100 if it's in 'like new' condition.

Anything else available locally?

I'm in the east Texas market, and it's pretty small and typically overpriced... Only other leads are a couple of old GT rigid forks in the $60ish range, a Schwinn high sierra that would be in the $120 range, and a ton of Huffy's. I would just replace the fork because my buddy has an extra good Marz. fork.

I got my 2005 frame for free ('cause I found it with nothing but a fork and bars) but all in all I'd say you could piece-by-piece upgrade it into a dang sweet sleeper for tops $500, especially if you score that Marzocci. Here's what I have on mine:

New Shimano Deore Shadow RD, $50
Used Shimano Deore LX FD, $15
New Shimano Acera M361 crankset, $35 (will probably upgrade to a Hollowtech set since I bent it dirt jumping)
New Shimano HG51-8aw cassette, $20
New Shimano Alivio 8-spd shift trigger set, $35
Used Shimano Deore Hydraulic brake set, $80
New Shimano BB-UN26 bottom bracket, $15

I got a RockShox XC30 as a generous donation from a relative, but that would only have been $150. Buuuut it's still just one of those works-for-now forks, since the RST it came with was absolute garbage.

and other stuff. $250 for all that makes for a boss bike, plan on a little more for wheels since you will need those if you want to go disc brakes (which, trust me, you do).

Building a sick ride is cheap and fun.

I really am looking at a much smaller budget than $500, more like $200 and under.

At least you know your options

I think you got to me though. I'm got the bike for $150, and am now proceeding to search for forks online. I'm a real sucker when it comes to build up projects like this, but I think it will turn out just fine. Fork recommendations are now being accepted...

Personally, knowing what I know now, I'd look for a good used fork. Like I said, I have a RockShox XC30 and it's ok, gets me by for now, but I've seen good forks go on my local classifieds for only $200-300 which is good for a fork.

If you do want to buy new, I'd recommend the RockShox XC32 as the lowest-end.

And of course, feel free to hit me up for advice, especially drivetrain stuff.

Any air fork. Avoid spring forks since they tend to work against you

Disagree. Coil forks are great, provided you have the right weight coil in there.

True, but 99% of people who had them never changed out the coil, too much of a hassle. Once air forks came out and you just set the air pressure on them for your weight then the coil shock was put to the curb.

Completely agree. I bought a used FOX F-100, then another bike and another used F-100. Then another and a F-100 with Terra Logic. The only fork that gave me some trouble was the one with Terra logic, but it works too. Never paid over $300 for a used Fox. Actually found a local older F-100 for $100. I like used upper level forks and I'm stickin with them. IMHO, Way, way better than a new low end spring fork.

Thanks for the info about used forks, I really didn't know if it was okay to buy them used or not. If anyone gets any leads on a good fork deal, please let me know. For now, I think I'm going to upgrade the saddle, rear derrailler, and pedals. Any advice on a good saddle and pedals (platform) under $30. Also, why do some pedals have only 1 side with grip? That makes no sense to me at all!

IMHO, the best flat pedals are made of alloy and steel with grip teeth on both sides, not sure what brands are out there, but a good bike shop will have these, especially one that caters to mountain bikers. I bought my last set when I was at Pisgah at a bike shop out there. Why some pedals have only one side with grip is for one reason. These pedals were originally designed for use with straps. The grip side was supposed to have straps attached that you put your foot into. They're great for suicide mountain biking, especially if you make them too tight and your foot is caught when you try to pull out. I've not seen straps on a serious mountain bike in at least 8 years. But some folks still use them. Also, some pedals sold today have flat grip on one side and a Shimano SPD pedal on the other. I use a set on my hardtail. I don't think you're referring to those.
As for saddles, that's very personal. It can be very expensive finding the manufacturer and design that you are comfortable with. Price does NOT guarentee satisfaction. Although I have some higher priced Specialized saddles, my favorite remains the model that came stock with their low and mid range MTBs around 2005 to 2010. I know roadies who have saddles costing over $100 each, but ride a relatively inexpensive $50 saddle because, it fits them best. Ride what works for you.

Upon closer examination of the front fork, it is not the rst capa tl that is supposed to come with the 2002 model, but it says rst marin 381rm tuned on the fork. Does anyone know what this means?

Just a different model. Replace it anyway, RST blows goats.