once in their lifetime, and non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city.
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Zachariah - 12/30/2007 9:28:05 PM
Pros:
Great climbing geometry; disc brakes; Deore LX components
Cons:
Heavy hardtail at 33.4lbs; RockShox J1 Fork has too much stiction, tops-out easily, and weighs 6lbs! Weak Tektro brake levers bent/broke easily; Ticking BB and crankset
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
A very GOOD bike, for those first starting out mountain biking. However, as your biking skills grow- you will soon yearn for something LIGHTER. While learning to ride- this bike climbs easily, rolls very smoothly, and even withstands occasional crashes very well......all without breaking once. As a novice mtn biker- these qualities are KEY......otherwise, inferior equipment(Wal-Mart, Target bikes) will quickly discourage you away from this sport. Not to worry- this bike is NOWHERE NEAR that!!
The 2006 Trek 4900 "AlphaSL"(superlight)" aluminum frame is.....actually far from that, though. The Kinesis Industry(Taiwan-based frame contractor)made frame is really so heavy- the total cost of upgrading ANY other components will otherwise cost you the price of a new bike.
The BOTTOM-LINE? If you want a solidly-built bike that can withstand abuse, and stay reliable.......learn the ropes on this bike. After that- pass it on to another newcomer. This bike will at the LEAST ignite your passion for this sport. A department store bike will never do such thing!
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Dilberto - 4/2/2007 12:05:54 AM
Pros:
Frame build/geometry; disk brakes; durability; looks great
I never expected to get a brand-new 2006 Trek Alpha, with disk brakes, for $220. After switching to 1.75" hybrid/cyclocross tires, the bike showed an radical improvement in acceleration. The frame geometry takes the dread right out of climbing, and does the job with minimal effort. I had a 2004 Gary Fisher Kaitai, and it still couldnt perform as good as this bike
does.
Even though the cons outweigh the pros,
the dollar savings can easily build up an already solid frame, with race quality components amounting to a world-class XC hardtail bike.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Dabrewdawg - 6/5/2006 5:35:23 PM
Pros:
2006 model is a great value at its price point. Easily best hard tail under $600.
Cons:
Bontrager Select saddle. Could use a diet.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
The pedals and saddle will be my first upgrades. Other than that, I have no complaints about this bike. Easy to shoulder for a not-so-big guy. Shimano components needed some fine-tuning but once dialed in, work very nicely. Disc brakes are very nice.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Will - 7/31/2005 6:55:42 PM
Pros:
Durable, fun, and good bang for the buck. I am happy with the frame so I am getting ready to upgrade all the components.
Cons:
Gears slip especially when changing gears on a steep climb. The seat is horrible. I just upgraded today after 2 years.
Time Used:
More than 2 years
Comments:
Overall the bike is great. I have ridden it on some pretty tough tracks with rocks, roots etc. and I have taken it on regular roads. I has treated me well. The seat does suck, I saw someone comment on the brakes, I have never had a problem with them.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Dan (banateanu) - 6/6/2004 6:27:26 AM
Pros:
Great overall quality,great components but a tad on the high side when comes to price ($ 1000.00 canadian),made in US.
Cons:
The saddle wasn't comfy so off it went,replaced with a Selle Royal Ergogell.The tires were too noisy (Bontrager Jones AC).
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
I was sold on the brand due to it's fame and build in US credentials.Soon after the purchase i changed the saddle,added an Axiom panier rack with CCM bags,Planet Bike fenders,Cateye lights (LED and another halogen) and mirror,Echo-7 computer,Axiom skewers (non quick release),removed the Bontrager Jones AC tires in favor of Continental Travel Contact with heavy duty CCM tubes (drilled out the valve hole so not it takes Schrader valve) with Slime,the fork works well (Pilot C),changed the gripps with Specialized Body Geometry type,replaced all the cables with Teflon coated made by Nervz,to protect it it's taken care of by Kryptonite New York and Fagedaboudit,2 water cages (Zefal/Trek) with Zefal thermos water bottle,Zefal toeclips.
So yes it's a very nice bike if you don't mind changing a few things.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by derek - 4/1/2004 1:50:46 PM
Pros:
exelent durability, quick handeling, shift response very good, great all-around bike, not much needed matinence
Cons:
minor and rare gear slippage, poor braking setup, not very pleased with RockShox Judy C, I recommend upgrade to the pilot c
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
i have had this bike for little over a year and a half and have only had to take it in the shop to get some things tweaked out (mainly from the short break-in process with new bikes). This is my first true mountain bike and am overall very pleased with the way it has performed. I generally have an aggressive riding style, and it holds together quite well, and other than the occasional visit to the shop to get the rims trued and , it needs very little matinence
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by derek - 4/1/2004 1:47:53 PM
Pros:
exelent durability, quick handeling, shift response very good, great all-around bike, not much needed matinence
Cons:
minor and rare gear slippage, poor braking setup, not very pleased with RockShox Judy C, I recommend upgrade to the pilot c
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
i have had this bike for little over a year and a half and have only had to take it in the shop to get some things tweaked out (mainly from the short break-in process with new bikes). This is my first true mountain bike and am overall very pleased with the way it has performed. I generally have an aggressive riding style, and it holds together quite well, and other than the occasional visit to the shop to get the rims trued and , it needs very little matinence
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Noob - 10/2/2003 3:08:10 PM
Pros:
Very nice ride. Amazing durability, escpecially for noobs like me.
Cons:
Shifting often slips for unknown reasons. It could be adjustment, but I doubt it because the LBS adjusted it before I took it out the door (twice).
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
I want to ride it on more trails. But between school, work and a girlfriend...well you know how it goes. I am a beggining mountain biker and I assume I made a good purchase because I did my research.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Frank Verdin - 11/7/2002 5:47:32 PM
Pros:
Rides great, looks, feels and handles very well.
Cons:
Haven't ridden it much due to a chronic shifting problem with the front derailleur or crankset.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
Thus far, I'm not impressed with the Quality of this bike. It's been in the shop more times than I have been out on it.
I'd like to sell it back.
Rating:
Recommendation:
No I would not recommend it to a friend
Submitted by NewlyAddicted - 8/21/2002 10:59:56 AM
Pros:
Very Durable, good components for the buck. Tremendous value. Did I mention durable?
Cons:
On a bike in this price range, I feel the tires should be a little more utilitarian. The Bontragers on my bike have trouble biting in the curves.
Time Used:
1 Year
Comments:
I purchased this bike a year ago as my first bike because the guy at the shop said I should. After becoming addicted to the sport and studying other bikes in the same price range, I am still thrilled with my choice. It has withstood all of the abuse a new rider has thrown at it (countless wrecks and poor maintenance). For someone who doesn't know yet how addicted they will become, this is the ideal bike. You won't break it easily and you won't break the bank to buy it.
