[Se7en]

I'm brand spankin' new to these forums, just looking for a little information. In order to keep in shape for Skiing and Wakeboarding seasons, I've decided to pick up a bike. Sad to say 75% of my riding will be on dirt roads/pavement/cut hiking trials. However I do plan to tap the bike trails they've got not too far away from me. As it sits, I have no bike. I work in a Ski/Snowboard/ and convientley a Bike shop as well. I can score a Trek 4300 for almost $0 dollars if I snag it tomorrow, which I probably will just for the sake of getting a great deal.

In the future I'd like to upgrade to something better, but what I really want to know is if the Alpha SL Frame from Trek is going to be a good enough platform to start on, as well as build with. I have ridden trails before, but I have a very limited experience and will be doing this mostly to stay in shape and because it's way cooler than running

So any advice as to the bike itself, and future upgrades for it would be awesome. Thanks!

-T

 

[maxyedor]

I'm not too familiar with trek bikes but if it is an Alum. hardtail you should have no issues. It may not be the best thing going but it will be decent. Since you are getting into this as training the only thing to look out for is that it will run mechanicaly well, the weight will help you train. As you get into riding you may want to turn that bike into a comuter and pick up a feul or some such higher end Trek xc bike for trail riding. A roadbike is great for training as well.
Welcom to the tribe, and do some trail maintanence!

 

[LordOpie]

No, do not upgrade the bike!

For one reason, if you actually enjoying cycling to the point where the 4300 isn't enough, then it'll cost you to get it up to where you'll be happy with it.

Also, what if you decide you love riding pavement? Then you'll probably want a road bike. Or maybe you'll love bombing down hills? Or maybe long xc rides on a full-suspension appeals to you?

Ride the 4300 for a while, get some ideas and some cash... then buy another bike.

Keep the 4300 for a commuter/beater/townie bike. For one thing, people who know bikes are less likely to steal a 4300, than say a Trek Fuel. In other words, the 4300 is less appealing to thieves, so trips to the grocery store will be less of a concern.

 

[Se7en]

Okay. So I picked up the 4300 today. Pretty nice bike for free. Hardtail, Alpha SL Frame, RST front forks, preload w/ 80mm. Super fun just to ride around. Seems totally solid when I let is rip on the trails up and around my woods (Mostly ATV trails I've cut with the quad). Only thing I noticed was that under load, the gearing seemed to be a bit off. Every couple full rotations of the pedal would result in a skip. Is there an easy way to see what might be wrong with it, and if so, is there an easy fix for it?

Thanks again,

-T

 

[Angus]

Okay. So I picked up the 4300 today. Pretty nice bike for free. Hardtail, Alpha SL Frame, RST front forks, preload w/ 80mm. Super fun just to ride around. Seems totally solid when I let is rip on the trails up and around my woods (Mostly ATV trails I've cut with the quad). Only thing I noticed was that under load, the gearing seemed to be a bit off. Every couple full rotations of the pedal would result in a skip. Is there an easy way to see what might be wrong with it, and if so, is there an easy fix for it?

Thanks again,

-T

Is the bike New? if so it probally just needs a minor tune up, alot of times the cables will strech a bit so shifting becomes muddled on new bikes, if the bike is used have the drive train checked out.

 

[Se7en]

Is the bike New? if so it probally just needs a minor tune up, alot of times the cables will strech a bit so shifting becomes muddled on new bikes, if the bike is used have the drive train checked out.

Brand spakin' new. Pulled it off the floor today. I'll take it into work tomorrow and have em' take a look-see I guess. Thanks!

-T