Specialized Hardrock, Trek Bruiser, or Trek 4300?



Just some backround info - I'm a beginner, and I'm looking to use the bike for some downhill, trails, around town...basically anything.
 
Starbury said:
I've pretty much narrowed my search down to these 3 bikes. I've eliminated the Mongoose Wingpro (full suspension) because I haven't heard too many positive things about the bike.

I'm just having a hard time picking one. Are there any reasons why I should pick one over the other?

Thanks for any help.

http://tinypic.com/aucsyg.jpg

http://tinypic.com/auctco.jpg

http://tinypic.com/auctas.jpg
depending on wether u want a hardrock pro disk because if u do they are all out of stock because i wanted to get one so i hope that could help
 
Go with the bruiser. For any downhill riding the 4300 won't add up, and the hardrock would never be worth upgrading in the future. I was looking into a bruiser for my fiance, but then he upped his price range, so better came along. The bruisers are awesome bikes with nice componentry...give it a try at your LBS and see how you like it. Ultimately, its about what feels right, so just give them all a try, but my personal favorite is the bruiser. After that I'd go with the hardrock, but thats just me. Let me know how it ends up.


Hope I helped,

Paige
 
Hi, I'm a rodie and ride a $5200 dollar Madone 5.9 which I always prefer to ride...but, I also own the Orange Trek 4300 which I currently train on at night. I definitley would consider myself and advanced to elite cyclist, especially at climbling mountains. I wasn't sure if my $325 dollar trek would fall apart under my hard training but so far it has been great! As it now stands, I am also racing this 4300 and due to my road training, I'm doing very well. I suck at downhills but I leave everyone behind going uphill. It's funny to see the look on peoples faces when I pass them or are at the line with their High end Mnt. Bike. So far so good. I also have a rack on the back of it for the child's seat where I sit my little girl. Great bike! It's really holding up and it is lighter then the full suspension bikes so that's cool with me. I love Trek!




Starbury said:
I've pretty much narrowed my search down to these 3 bikes. I've eliminated the Mongoose Wingpro (full suspension) because I haven't heard too many positive things about the bike.

I'm just having a hard time picking one. Are there any reasons why I should pick one over the other?

Thanks for any help.

http://tinypic.com/aucsyg.jpg

http://tinypic.com/auctco.jpg

http://tinypic.com/auctas.jpg
 
Hard to believe a roadie with a Madone would be satisfied on a crappy bike like the 4300. Its not so much the frame as the shifting. I dont like my XT level shifting nearly as much as even my 105.

That said, the 4300 is a XC bike, not downhill, freeride, or all mountain. The bruiser is a bit more freeride oriented, but aparently in need of some upgrades. Seems trek has eliminated the bruiser, tho.
 
Yea, I try not to think about it but I'm an equally crappy Mnt. biker as well. My brothers are the real Mnt. Bikers with the full suspension and stuff. I did notice that if I don't keep the bike clean and lubed the shifiting starts to stick. I'm racing the bike March 4th with a field of 150 riders on a 45 Miler (mostly uphill 8000 ft. of climbing which right up my alley and non-technical down-hills). It'll be interesting to see how the bike handles. I've already been over the handle bars on a previous race going downhill, because I didn't know what the hell I was doing. Anyway, it gives me a chance to spend time with my 3 brothers, so it's cool that my bike sucks. Maybe if I get to be a better Mnt. biker, I'll upgrade. I just really don't enjoy those technical downhills...

triguy98 said:
Hard to believe a roadie with a Madone would be satisfied on a crappy bike like the 4300. Its not so much the frame as the shifting. I dont like my XT level shifting nearly as much as even my 105.

That said, the 4300 is a XC bike, not downhill, freeride, or all mountain. The bruiser is a bit more freeride oriented, but aparently in need of some upgrades. Seems trek has eliminated the bruiser, tho.
 
:cool: I have a Trek 4300 to ride around town. I took it to a mountain bike park outside of Notrees. But it was a really bumpy and annoying ride. My knees hurt like hell. If you want a bike to ride off roads. Look for a good full-suspension bike. I personally like the Specialized S-works!