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Trek 4300 Disc

MSRP: $690

Reviewed

June 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Good value
Powerful disc brakes
Climbs well

Cons

Tires could use better grip
Rear derailleur breaks easily
Saddle is uncomfortable

Where to Buy

Find a dealer at TrekBikes.com

Our Analysis
Specs

If you can't afford to spend much on a mountain bike, reviewers say the Trek 4300 Disc is a good value. It has Promax disc brakes, which offer better stopping power than the V-style brakes found on most inexpensive mountain bikes, and the aluminum frame is described as strong and lightweight. The Trek 4300 Disc is a hardtail bike, so it doesn't have suspension in the rear, but 4 inches of travel in the front help smooth the ride over bumps and obstacles. The Trek 4300 Disc also includes a shock lockout, which makes it easier to power up climbs. One reviewer also claims that the fork is one of the best available in this price range. Most say the bike handles well, and the brakes have good stopping power even when muddy or wet. However, some say the tires need more grip and we saw a few reports that the rear derailleur can break easily. If cost is really a concern, the Trek 4300 (MSRP: $570) will save you some money, but it has V-style brakes.

Most professional reviewers test the 2010 model of the Trek 4300 Disc, including BikeRadar.com and Bicycling magazine. There are a large number of user reviews at Buzzillions.com and MTBR.com, including several recent reviews that reflect opinions on the 2011 Trek 4300 Disc.

Our Sources

1. BikeRadar.com

BikeRadar.com editors review the new 2010 Trek 4300 Disc, giving it 3.5 stars out of 5. Dan Joyce tests the smallest size (designed for short or younger riders). He says the fork is "one of the best we've tested at this price," but he recommends upgrading the tires.

Review: Trek 4300 Disc, Dan Joyce, Jan. 15, 2010

2. Bicycling Magazine

Bicycling magazine editors highlight the Trek 4300 Disc in their latest buyer's guide. Editors say the aluminum frame is durable but lightweight, and the disc brakes offer better stopping power than the V-style brakes found on most budget bikes.

Review: Trek 4300 Disc, Editors of Bicycling, April 2010

3. Buzzillions.com

The Trek 4300 Disc earns 4.5 stars (out of 5) from nearly 75 reviewers at Buzzillions.com. Most owners are very pleased with the quick-stopping brakes and smooth shifting. However, there are a few reports that the saddle is hard and uncomfortable.

Review: Trek 4300 Disc, Contributors to Buzzillions.com

4. MTBR.com

More than 45 owners review the Trek 4300 Disc at MTBR.com. The bike, which earns an overall rating of just under 4 stars, is praised for being a good entry-level option. The more experienced riders complain about cheap components.

Review: Trek 4300 Disc, Contributors to MTBR.com

5. BikeMagic.com

Only about a dozen owners review the Trek 4300 Disc at BikeMagic.com, and many of the reviews are several years old. The majority of owners say the Trek 4300 Disc is a great bargain bike that can be upgraded in the future.

Review: Trek 4300 Disc, Contributors to BikeMagic.com

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