Trek 4300

For new riders on a budget, reviewers say the Trek 4300 is a good choice among inexpensive mountain bikes. This aluminum hardtail bike has a durable frame that is covered by a lifetime warranty. Experts say the bike survives crashes better than most budget bikes, and it handles well on most types of terrain -- with the exception of technical or rocky trails. The Trek 4300 is also a good choice for commuting or general fitness riding on paved trails. You can find cheaper mountain bikes at big-box stores, but reviewers say the Trek 4300 is a better investment. The stock components aren't the best, but you can add better components as your skills improve. Trek doesn't publish weights for its mountain bikes, but many reviewers say the Trek 4300 feels heavy -- a common complaint for budget bikes. Users would also like to see better tires, and some say the saddle is hard and uncomfortable. If you can afford to spend more, the Specialized Rockhopper (MSRP: $720) offers a better selection of components.

Professional reviews for budget mountain bikes are few and far between, so user review sites are the best source of information on the Trek 4300. Buzzillions.com has the most reviews, including a good selection of recent comments. MTBR.com and SingleTracks.com also have a good number of user reviews. Bicycling magazine reviews the Trek 4300 Disc, which has more powerful disc brakes.