The 4500 without disc brakes have a little better components, yet the 4300 has disc brakes and decent components as well. (2006: 4500 is $459.00), and the (2007: 4300 is $489.00).....HELP!!!!
2007-04-15 08:21:17 · 7 answers · asked by backflip9960 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Between the 2 I'd take the 4500 to get the better components.
I rode a 4900 (without Disc) for 3 years before I moved to the Trek Fuel EX8. The difference from going from Rim brakes to Disc brakes was quite minor. The only difference I noticed was my hand was less fatigued on long descents. I also spend more time adjusting the disc brakes as opposed to the rim brakes.
If I had to do it again, I would have started with the Trek 6000 to get the 9 gears in the rear.
BTW, the 4900 was rock solid and never gave me any problems in 3000 miles. My rims always stayed true, nothing broke. I only replaced the chain,brake pads and cables, which are normal wear items. It still shifts perfectly....maybe better than my EX8. The ride was just a tad harsh.
2007-04-15 10:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by Andrew W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got a Trek 4300 and I've been quite satisfied with it. But I'm not totally satisfied with the quality of some of the components.
I vote that you go for the better components. If you're new to mountain biking, maybe you shouldn't even think about riding in moderate mud or rain.
Go for the better components or up your budget a little bit. I believe the next highest model # has disc breaks. That way you get better components AND disc breaks with no compromise.
2007-04-15 22:03:05 · answer #2 · answered by Stuey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By disc brakes I assume you mean mechanical and not hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical disc brakes are trash and you should not waste your money on them. I had them on my Trek Fuel and I had to constantly replace the pads. You have to constantly adjust them as well (almost every time you ride). I forgot to adjust them once and got into a big crash coming downhill. I suggest get the bike with the better components and ugrade to hydraulic disc brakes at a later date. You can get Hayes Nine hydraulic disc brakes for approximately $300, they will transform your riding
2007-04-15 18:43:25 · answer #3 · answered by Gaurav M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
discs are totally overated and require a lot more mainainence than v -brakes e.t.c.
for xc riding YOU JUST DO NOT NEED DISCS (only need em' for dh riding).
save your self a lot of hassle and get a better bike, don't get the discs - I own three sets of hydraulic discs and, although they have more 'feel', the adjustments are more limited and their power varies drastically if they get dusty or oily; I kinda regret buying them for my jump bike, for my DH rig they are needed though. They are also flippin' expensive to repair.
Let me explain:
Disc brakes only come into their own league on very fast/long descents, over extremely bumpy/rocky terrain, at high speed cornering - basically at the top end of the spectrum, which explains the stupidly high price.
They are far trickier and more time consuming to maintain and you generally have limited (if any) adjustment of bite-point & modulation. At slow to fairly fast speeds, a good set of v-brakes will deliver more 'bite' and the same amount of power.
Disc brakes create many quirks as well, such as the pads constantly re-aligning themselves, or your front wheel becoming dislodged if you have a QuickRelease axle due to the increased torsion; discs will also cause your wheel to 'dish' over time due to increased tension on the rotor side spokes, this will cause your spokes to become looser also and giving you a flexier wheel - basically they are A LOT more hassle and have many hidden expenses - for little gain.
2007-04-16 09:47:21 · answer #4 · answered by amtghota 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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It isn't as simple as you may think. In order to install disc brakes you not only have to have the mounts on the frame, your wheels need to have disc compatible hubs. If your wheels don't have disc rotor mounts you would have to buy new wheels as well as brake calipers. This could cost as much as you paid for your bike. Unless your current brakes are not adequate, just buy new brake pads
2016-04-03 06:36:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go for the bike with better components. If you decide to, you can always upgrade to a disk brake later. It's easier to upgrade a single component than an entire bike.
2007-04-15 10:59:45 · answer #6 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for the disc, you wont regret it especially if you ride in the rain.
2007-04-15 08:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by hogie0101 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋