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MTB Reviews > Mountain bikes > Hardtail bikes > Trek 4300
Description: (from trekbikes.com)
Frame - Alpha SL Aluminum
Front Suspension - RST Gila T7 w/preload, 80mm
Wheels - Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub; Bontrager Camino rims
Crank - SR XCC-T102 42/34/24
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Alivio
Trek Hardtails by MSV85
Need Tough Cassette For Trek Hardtail by gto47
2001 Trek 4300 by Bigdave08
Upgrades on 2002-ish Trek 4300 Alpha? by darlyj
trek 4300 - good deal? by droc
Upgrade the 4300 or new bike? by rgoff1
Tire Question for a Trek 4300 by elroca209
100 miles on Trek 4300 by elroca209
reviewed by guest on October 8, 2010
model: Trek 4300/2008
reviewed by guest on March 28, 2009
model: Trek 4300/2008
Trek 4300 Reviews
MTB GEAR STATS
Avg Rating:  |
35 gear reviews |
| MSRP: $389.99 | |
| Tags: yellow, entry level, beginner, stinger, starter, aluminum, best of 2010 | |
| 59 members own this | 5 members want this |
Frame - Alpha SL Aluminum
Front Suspension - RST Gila T7 w/preload, 80mm
Wheels - Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub; Bontrager Camino rims
Crank - SR XCC-T102 42/34/24
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Alivio
Forum Discussions
Trek Hardtails by MSV85Need Tough Cassette For Trek Hardtail by gto472001 Trek 4300 by Bigdave08Upgrades on 2002-ish Trek 4300 Alpha? by darlyjtrek 4300 - good deal? by drocUpgrade the 4300 or new bike? by rgoff1Tire Question for a Trek 4300 by elroca209100 miles on Trek 4300 by elroca209Other Recommendations
Reviews
on September 28, 2011
Pros
Great components for price, lightweight, durable. Have not had any component issues or shifting problems.
Cons
Saddle is rather stiff and uncomfortable. Tires seem thin as I have had several rear flats on non-technical rides.
Review
Would recommend to beginner / novice rider looking for afordable / durable bike.
Pros
Nice feel for the price.
Responds well.
Responds well.
Cons
Needs better forks.
Review
Best beginner bike
Pros
Common theme in these reviews appears to be "I have battered this bike into submission and it still ploughs on!" So very true! I started as a beginner 8 months ago and over this time have thrashed this bike around a lot of the best mtb tracks in the South Island of NZ. It has not let me down once. I have crashed it, ploughed into rock gardens and fallen down 10ft slopes- and it never fails. I can now easily keep up with the vast majority of far more expensive bikes often seen on these NZ trails (Kiwis don't scrimp on gear!).
Cons
Forks are obviously terrible! At present that is the only thing that I could change that would give me any substantial increase in speed. Or fun!
Review
Its now all too easy to read all the reviews of anything on the internet and be led to believe that to have any fun you have to spend big money. Not true!
Borrowing my friends $2500 bikes has not made me any faster- biking 3-4x a week for the last 8 months absolutely has!
Borrowing my friends $2500 bikes has not made me any faster- biking 3-4x a week for the last 8 months absolutely has!
Pros
Rugged frame and drivetrain, will hold up to most of what singletrack will throw at you.
Cons
Had to replace a wheel, Saddle's uncomfortable.
Review
This was my first "real" mountain bike and a great deal for the money. Nice bike to help you get into the sport and for kicking around town too! I'll be looking to upgrade soon though.
Pros
Great build quality,Great first bike, Good Parts for the price.
Review
I bought one of these 10 years ago and still have it as a back up with a few upgrades over the years still looks and rides great and still looks up to date. would highly recommend this to a newbe. I plan on keeping this bike forever.
reviewed by guest on October 8, 2010
model: Trek 4300/2008
Pros
Well built and reasonably light. Rides and climbs great.
Cons
Changed the rear tire out with a Bontrager XR4 2.2 and like the grip of the more agressive tread on loose trails.
Review
I would reccommend the 4300 to anyone looking for a first mountain bike or just a very reasonably priced 26" hardtail!
Pros
strong, good handling, great first bike!!!
Cons
the reflectors fell off on the second day. shocks a bit stiff, need to change rear derailleur...
Review
this is my first good bike and I love it so far!!! had if for about 6 months and almost no problems!!!!!!!!! would tell everyone to get one!
Pros
I have the 2011 trek 4300 and i love it. Great First Bike,Light,Strong,and it handles well.Also 2011 comes with hydro discs.
Cons
The SEAT..... and yes the parts are entry to mid level
Review
Great bike for urban riding and ripping up some single tracks.I would recommend this bike to everyone that was to get into the sport.
Pros
As you can see, scroll down the reviews and you will see my first review just after I bought this bike May 29th 2009. I still love this bike, and have had many good times with it
Cons
For 2009, they had cheap Suntour forks which I replaced with Rockshox Dart 3. The stock tires being thin, I replaced them with Kenda Nevegals and no probs since. Right out of the sales room, the seat is too tiny and uncomfortable, tires too thin. The deraillure will go out within 4 months if you ride alot like me
Review
This bike DOES take a real beating, as some of my fave courses here can be very technical. I ended up replacing the tires, seta and forks almost right away. 4 months later mt deraillure kept mis shifting, no matter how many times the shop adjusted it. I had the money, so I bought a complete SRAM x7 drivetrain. 6 months later the stock BB was going bad, so I replaed the crankset with a Truvativ Firex set. It has been awesome ever since. This is a good bike, but some of the components are not that great and will need replaced
Pros
This bike can take a real beating. Up until this year I rode a 4300 for 9+ years. I bought it in college prior to my second year and rode it hard on singletrack all over the north east.
Cons
I can't honestly come up with too many. I rode it till a part broke and then I replaced that part. Thinking back the rear dérailleur was crap and the square tapper BB went rather quick too.
Review
This bike has been fit with BB5's and at this point has an XT shadow rear dérailleur. Only original parts left the bike after 8 years was the front dérailleur and the headset. Now the headset is the only part thats original. This is a great bike that served me very well for much longer than it should have. Frame is still really solid and is being turned into a skinny tired commuter.
on October 27, 2009
Pros
Light, strong frame. Good handling, takes on anything, great stopping with the disc brakes.
Cons
Stock tubes are paper thin. Compenents are entry level - but to be expected.
Review
Coming to the end of my first season on it, and love it! Taken on everything I can throw at it with very little fuss. Great entry level bike for those that want to get into the sport. The 4300 will have you up and burning up the trails in no time.
on October 21, 2009
Pros
Very light, strong frame. The brakes work well despite being V-brakes. (I've managed to lock them both when I was getting a bit eager). The crank is durable and shifts consistently.
Cons
The rear derailleur is crap, but it isn't much of an issue during off-road riding. The standard tubes need replacing immediately, they're far too thin.
Review
The stock tires are useless for on-road or hard surfaces, if you're using this for day to day riding like I am, consider getting another set of tires. Other than that it's a comfortable, easy riding bike.
Pros
Absolutely stout aluminum frame. Had held up extremely well even despite a few wrecks. Light enough for me to load in out out of my hatchback every single day.
Cons
Mid grade components used so things tend to be temperamental at times.
Review
Great bike for the beginner and mid level mountain biker. If you want a light, fast bike that can handle pretty much anything this is for you.
Pros
2010 is lighter than my old 2006 model, plus it's got better handling, more comfort, and is definitely durable.
Cons
Tires, blew a tire on my first real hardcore ride with it. Upgraded to Mountain Kings...
Review
Great, solid bike for the price. Does well for me!
Pros
Light bike off the floor, I like the ratio's in the drive system, stops on a dime, very responsive, good value with the components.
Cons
you might upgrade the pedals to clip/pedal, and front brake to a disc.
Review
For the money, you cannot ask for a better bike off the shop floor.
Pros
Rock solid frame,very durable, good handling, smooth shifting
Cons
Depending on how you use it, you may want to upgrade the front shocks and tires.
Review
If you want to get into real mountain biking. This is your ticket. It is an great value for the price. If you do any serious trail riding you may want to consider replacing the RST shocks and getting some new tires. With a few other key upgrades the 4300 can hold its own.
Pros
Sturdy frame, good handling, takes anything you throw at it, price
Cons
Stock shocks and tires
Review
Awesome bike, I got this a couple of years ago and started taking it out for some serious rides on the singletrack last year. Aside from some minor issues with the drivetrain recently, this bike has handled rides all across Florida as well a mashup with the roof of a car garage with no signs of stopping. Put a nice set of tires on and it rides brilliant. Not the fanciest of rides at the trailhead, but the trail gods don't seem to award any style points.
Pros
good price, disc brakes stop on a dime, good shifting, can take a fall
Cons
non eso far
Review
would recommend to anyone who is starting out. not a huge investment and can upgrade later on with better components
Pros
Handling, smooth shifting, light weight, very durable
Cons
none so far
Review
Bought this bike to get back into riding and love it. It has taken a beating and has no problems to show for it.
Pros
What a relief getting this after riding wallyworld bike for so long! I love the solid crankset,shifting, and the 100 MM forks (the newer ones have
Cons
The tires are paper thin! I got a flat rear tire first time out.
Review
The bike is fast, I seem to fit it perfectly. Other riders have been trying to tell me to get better bikes, I finally did, and they were right! This bike ROCKS
on May 16, 2009
Pros
Price. Warranty.
Cons
Components. Durability. Frame had no rear brake boss to upgrade to discs.
Review
Bought for my girl friend as a starter bike. Not a bad "starter" bike considering the price. Disappointed to find out that a 2 year old frame didn't have rear brake bosses for discs.
Pros
Price, Weight, Durability
Cons
nothing considering that it's the entry level model
Review
Great bike to get you started. If you become addicted and invest in a better bike, this will make a great spare to drag your friends out.
Pros
Mine is 5 years old. It is still in good condition even without a great maintenance. Cleaning and WD40 where it is needed. That's it
Cons
I change the original front suspension due to bad response on hard trail.
Review
So far, the quality is over its cost. Nice bike for small budget and beginner.
reviewed by guest on March 28, 2009
model: Trek 4300/2008
Pros
Owned since 2003 with very little mechanical trouble. Great greenway bike with some light singletrack thrown in early in it's life. After changing some of the lower end vendor components she's become a monster hardtail singletrack machine.
Cons
Forks are junk for off roading. Rear derailer is crap no matter where you ride.
Review
This was my very first mountain bike and has evolved with me over the years. After I purchased my Trek Fuel my 4300 was converted to a greenway/excersise bike used only after rainy days while I waited for the singletrack trails to dry. With the addition of a 100mm Marzocchi MZ 2 fork and a Deore rear derailler she was begging to get back to her roots. When the trail turns hilly and I fill the need for speed the Fuel stays at home. Hardtails rule.
Pros
Quality. Reliable real (as opposed to Huffy or Roadmaster) bike that can go where the more expensive bikes can.
Cons
Nothing when considering it is an Entry Level bike.
Review
I bought the bike (the yellow one shown as a matter of fact)as a spare bike in order to get friends and family to ride with me. (What can I say I am generous guy). The bike has held up well for 4 years of NewB abuse. No one has complained of weight (especially if all they have ever ridden was a box store bike). I would recommend this bike for anyone that is new to MTB and is not wanting to commit to the bikes in the higher price range. After a season or two you will be ready to move up and you will still ahve a great bike as back-up or for friends...
Pros
Bought my 4300 3 years ago as my first mountain bike. I absolutely loved it. very sturdy and a blast on the beginner trails in san antonio. I decided from that point i would never own anything other than a Trek. Recently bought a Trek 6500 SLR(super light racing) and now I'm positive i'll be a Trek rider for life.
Cons
Stock Saddle was the first thing to go.
Review
First timers and those who like basic recreational rides and some in town commuting.
Pros
Sturdy frame, without being too heavy, very durable. Shifters are almost instant very realiable and quiet. Brakes have alot of bite. Rims have taken a beaten without needing them trued. All around It's the best trail bike I have ever ridden for a great value.
Cons
Stock tires and saddle are a lame for trail riding.
Review
I love my Trek and wouldn't want anything other than Trek
Pros
well built and realible, for rec. riders
Cons
seat, grips
Review
I bought a 07 4300 last year for my wife. It should last her a very long time. Rides and shifts well and quite. Thats the key for rec. riders.
Pros
Packs a big punch for little money
It's a very solidly built bike
Plenty of stopping power
Light, but not weak, frame
Cons
Wheels and derailer are a little weak. I'm not afraid to get this bike dirty, and as a result of 4 rough trail rides, the front wheel had to be straightened, the rear replaced, and the rear derailer had to be straightened and adjusted. I know how to do it, so it costed me nothing except a new wheel, but still an inconvenience none-the-less. The damage done was probably my fault, for pushing the bike a little beyond it's limits.
Review
If you're thinking about putting disk brakes on it, buy the model with them already installed. This will save you a lot of money (and a bunch of headaches).
Overall, I got more than my money's worth out of this machine. Thank you Trek!!!
on July 27, 2008
Pros
Solid feel, comfortable riding position, Bontrager equipment
Cons
Deraileur, grips, and shocks
Review
After riding Giant and some other bikes, I have to say I love my Trek. I changed out the grips with some OURY's, made a big difference. I love how the bike moves effortlessly, and quietly. Doesn't sound cheap or "clack" like other bikes did. The tires are better suited for road riding-need changes for trail riding. The shocks are bare minimum, but work OK. The Bontrager bars and stem rock. The brakes pull smooth and bite hard. Deraileur needs to be adjusted after each ride...kind of a pain. Bike looks great, and handles very well. Overall, an excellent novice or intermediate bike for those on a budget.
on April 18, 2008
Pros
Wonderful framework, RST shocks are great
Cons
Derailleur isn't the best.
Review
Bike is a great for just cruising down a path, and on a road. the frame is light, but on the other hand is sturdy enough to withstand some abuse. your best bet would be to do something about the derailleur though.
Pros
Great frame and the riding position is comfortable
Cons
Rear derailleur and fork. Bottom bracket was a little clunky until my mechanic taped the threads.
Review
Update the derailleur and fork and you get a great hard tail for little money. Wheelbase is a bit short for crazy down hilling. Not a great climbing bike because of its weight forward design. If you can have only one bike for everything this is a great one.
Pros
Great frame, even after 6 years of everyday riding. Geometry is great, centre of gravity is Very low which makes no handed riding a breeze. I've tackled it all on this bike except big drops.
Cons
Wheels arent the strongest, warp easily. The components, although great if taken care of, show their lack of quality over a period of time.
Review
If you are a regular commuter and you plan to tackle the trails once in awhile, this bike will take alot of beating (not that I suggest it). I'm acually going to scrap most of the components on it, and start a new build with my current 4300.
Pros
This bike has a sturdy frame and I like how the handle bar is shaped
Cons
Bad components, bad shock, no disk brakes, a little heavy
Review
This would be a great bike for people just getting in to the sport of mountain biking.
Pros
Sturdy frame, excellent RST shocks, optional Shimano disc breaks which are awesome
Cons
Derailleur started giving me a bit of trouble after 1.5 years of riding; I can't use my 8th gear setting on the subsets... probably my fault
Review
I loved this bike when I first got it, and I still do. It's tough, which goes well for me, as I'm not a gentle rider. Coming from an 18-speed hybrid to this, it was a world of difference. The bike is light yet sturdy, and has put up with quite a few miles and lots of abuse with minimal maintenance. Perfect for those who consider themselves mountain bikers but don't ride three times a week.
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