trek 4300 upgrade

Kubo said:

[font=Impact]hey all u knowledgable, experienced riders.[/font]

[font=Impact]I am a relative newbie who plans on weekend racing (mountainX & short trak).[/font]
[font=Impact]I have a 2003 Trek 4300. really luv it. Impressed with how eager this bike is. Eats hills.[/font]
[font=Impact]Great long ride bike except 4 the saddle.[/font]

[font=Impact]I am considering upgrading 2 a sram 9 speed rear end, replacing my front hub with a disc compatable hub and installing an Avid mech disc on the front wheel (leaving the V on the rear and replacing the nsync 323 with a rockshox Judy or sumthin'.[/font]

[font=Impact]is this worthwhile and will this set up be competitive?[/font]

yes but you should also consider a 9speed upgrade

It would be a good ride for getting the feel of the type of racing you say you want to do. Over the long run (once you get good and know what you are doing at mountainX) you will *want* to get something with geometry (and components) better suited for that type of riding. The 4300 is a very, very popular (and inexpensive) choice for folks just getting into mtb riding, but it isn't a very good hardcore/aggresive/race bike (due to many factors including, but not limited to: geometry, componentry, wheels, build of the frame).

I believe your idea of upgrading what you have (for now) is an excellent way to get into the scene and gain some skills without spending a ton of dough. If you are going to upgrade the fork (and you *should*) then go towards something more "burly" or stout if you will. Marzocchi and Manitou each make forks for precisely what you are wanting to do. A Marzocchi Dirt Jumper (any of them) or Free Ride would be an excellent choice (you can find them new and used on ebay for great prices right now). They are absolutely bomb-proof and extremely tuneable if you are willing to learn the "secrets" (not really secrets, but it sounds cool to say it that way). The Manitou Sherman lines have proven to be very capable as well. I was very impressed with the few rides I have had on them and I'm a very long-time Marzocchi guy so praising Manitou hurts, a little ;-) .

In mountainX you want: sturdy, reliable, precise. You want your parts to handle tons of abuse (since you are jumping, railing, etc); you want your parts to perform predictably, 'cause if they are not working right: you ain't racin'; you want your bike to go where you point it and you *probably* want to have "quick" steering since most of the courses you are likely to see are bmx-ish. Good luck with the build and racing! Take care.

K.

😎 Thanx 4 the info. Much appreciated.
Loving the bike although experiencing a dusturbing frequency ofchainsuck off (what I call) small jumps. Also the derailleurs require much adjusting.

Ciao!