Ok first of all I haven't ridden since I was about 12 and that wasn't serious. I'm looking into either getting into mnt or road biking and was looking for something new but at a decent price. I really think I will become more than just a weekend warrior since there are trails not 10 miles from my house so I think the Trek 820 might be out, so right now I was looking at the 3500, the Tarpon, and the 4300.
The guy at the LBS told me to skip the 3500 and go to the 4300 since the 3500 had a single wall rim or something like that and would bend more easily, but when I use the compare bike function on Trek's website the wheels look the same to me. I really don't know what I am getting into and would be happy with the 820 for the price if it wouldn't fall apart on me in six months. Basically I want to and probably will ride this bike 5 days a week of light trails and road, and maybe the rough trails twice a month and wanted to know which would hold up longer. Obviously the 4300 has better parts but would the Tarpon or 3500 do the job? Basically if I can get away with spending less money that would be ideal.
I'm a runner. Haven't had a bike since I was 12. This would be my first bike purchase ever. Was also just thinking of going with the 1 series road bike but that is for a different forum. =)
My question for you is, how do you know that you will like cycling. Are you willing to put down money on a bike that you may or may not ride 5 days a week? Maybe buying second hand is the way to go to see whether it is a sport for you.
Welcome to the forum Loki28. Coneofsilence questions are valid. You would be amazed of how many used bikes are available that are hardly used. I personaly have a three bike habit and I dont get to ride 5 days a week. If you are looking into buying a mountain bike I would recommend that you stay away from any bike that has Tourney components. I am mostly a road cyclist that also rides mountain bikes. Just so happens that I too am looking into purchasing a new mountain bike and have narrowed down my choices to three bikes. Trek 4300 disc Gary Fisher G2 Wahoo Gary Fisher Marlin 29er I will also be checking out their leftovers from last year to see if I can upgrade for the same money. The only thing that I am positive about is I will get a bike that fits me. I will post back and let you know what I get or learn seeing as you have shown some interest in the 4300.
Yah well without going into details of my life let us say that I am in a fortunate position where riding 5 days a week would be easy. As far as used bikes go I have looked in the past two weeks in my area and there is nothing that I am looking for or that is the right size for me. I don't mind spending the extra dough on my FIRST bike so I know I get the right size and fit and everything I need from my LBS.
Thanks for the information about the tourney component I did not know that. From other research on other forums it looks like I'm leaning more towards the 4300 or Tarpon. Only a couple test rides can tell me now I guess. Thanks again for the help.
Ok first of all I haven't ridden since I was about 12 and that wasn't serious. I'm looking into either getting into mnt or road biking and was looking for something new but at a decent price. I really think I will become more than just a weekend warrior since there are trails not 10 miles from my house so I think the Trek 820 might be out, so right now I was looking at the 3500, the Tarpon, and the 4300.
The guy at the LBS told me to skip the 3500 and go to the 4300 since the 3500 had a single wall rim or something like that and would bend more easily, but when I use the compare bike function on Trek's website the wheels look the same to me. I really don't know what I am getting into and would be happy with the 820 for the price if it wouldn't fall apart on me in six months. Basically I want to and probably will ride this bike 5 days a week of light trails and road, and maybe the rough trails twice a month and wanted to know which would hold up longer. Obviously the 4300 has better parts but would the Tarpon or 3500 do the job? Basically if I can get away with spending less money that would be ideal.
Any help or insight would be appreciated! Thanks!
Single wall rims have 1 wall and form a U cross section while Double wall rims have 2 walls forming a box between the tube and spokes.
| | | | _____/ Single
| | |_______| ______/ Double
Edit : Sorry my drawings are a little crude but hopefully you can understand them. Picture your rim as a cross section. This is what the rim would look like if you cut the rim.
Yah I can understand that, thanks! So is that really important for heavier riding? I guess I just have a hard time wrapping my head around a company manufacturing a mountain bike then the guy at the LBS telling me "that specific tire won't hold up." Boggles the mind. Again I'm just trying to get out without breaking the bank but I also consider having to pay for repairs and the headaches of having a broken bike and would rather pay more now than later.
Depends on what you mean by heavier rider and what kind of riding the heavier rider will be doing. If the LBS suggests double wallled rims then i would definitely would take his advice. He would know more about your local terrain.
got a Felt Q520. lol thanks for yall's advice I really love the bike all ready hit the trail for an hour only flipped over the handlebars once so that makes it a great day in my book!
Haha nah right into some leaves....I landed 2cm from a huge freaking rock though....but I'm ok...will post some pics in a minute when my camera battery charges.
edit: "Since I am new here your post is being held for moderation" Guess you'll see em when that happens!
