Kris Osborn wrote (RBOR):
Quoted message said:Hi, I am new to mountain biking and I was wondering what Trek bike
would be a good bike to start off on. I Have $400.00. I know that I
could afford the Trek 4300. I wondered if the it a good bike for the
money, is it a good bike for a beginner? Should I go with a different
name brand, or should I save more money(if so what is a better Trek
model)? what do you suggest?
FYI, this newsgroup is all but dead. Try "Alt.mountain-bike" (added to this
post).
Best advice is to visit a number of "local bike shops" (LBSs) and test ride
a number of models. Tell the salesperson what kind of riding you want to do
and what your budget is, and go from there.
For $400 or so, I'd advise getting a fully rigid bike, or MAYBE a "hardtail"
(front suspension only). Stay away from "full suspension" in that price
range -- it will be heavy and unreliable (IMO).
And, of course, "buy the red one"
Have fun shopping (AND riding),
Bill S.
(I messed up adding AM-B I think; sorry if this appears twice.)