Mountain biking is an exhilarating and fulfilling hobby, but let’s be real, it can also be pretty expensive.
Luckily, there are plenty of great budget bikes on the market that don’t compromise on performance. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at one of those bikes – the Trek 4500 Mountain Bike.
So, if you’re in the market for a bike that won’t break the bank but still offers plenty of features and versatility, stick around for this review.
Trek 4500 MTB At A Glance
Trek 4500 is an amazing hardtail mountain bike from Trek. It provides good riding on technical trails, and the lightweight frame makes it very convenient for beginners.
Trek 4500 inspires confidence on the trail with solid handling and durable components. It sports 26-inch tires and a suspension fork to smooth out bumps and major impacts.
It also comes with a Shimano drivetrain, a RockShox Dart 2 fork, and with sturdy double-walled rims, so you can roll over anything with confidence. Also, the hydraulic disc brakes in the later models deliver precise stopping ability.
Pros
- High quality aluminum frame
- Durable components
- Reliable brakes and gears
- Sturdy wheels and tires
Cons
- Complex 3X drivetrain
- Small 26-inch wheels
Unfortunately, Trek doesn’t make this bike anymore, but there are some really impressive newer models with better designs which are excellent alternatives to the 4500 Trek mountain bike.
I recommend Trek Marlin 5 and Trek Fuel EX 5 as great alternatives, you can scroll down to see our brief review of these bikes.
Trek 4500 Mountain Bike: Features and Specifications
Frame and fork
Trek 4500 Mountain Bike is the perfect companion for beginner trail riders who want a lightweight and durable bike that can handle mountain trails with ease.
The hardtail aluminum frame makes it an excellent budget bike, with a trail-taming front suspension that absorbs impacts and road noise.
It comes equipped with a RockShox Dart 2 with 100mm travel suspension fork, which might not be the lightest, but it is super strong and very reliable.
Actually, the Suntour XCM suspension on the Trek 4500 makes it a budget to mid-range bike that packs a punch. And the relatively tight head tube angle that offers flexible handling for easy steering and control, especially during climbs and descents.
With its great budget fork, the Trek 4500 is quite comfortable on longer rides and actually able to handle some riding on technical trails.
From my experience, the Trek 4500 is an excellent choice for beginners who want to hit the trails with confidence and style.
Gears and Brakes
Shimano is well-known for making reliable gears with smooth shifting and easy maintenance. And the Trek 4500 features Shimano components, it has the Shimano Alivio groupset.
With the Trek 4500, you get an incredible range of gearing, from low gears that smoothly take up steep climbs to a good range of high gears for fast descents.
Before this bike model was discontinued, it had many different models, and a few of its features changed with each new release. For instance, the oldest models were fitted with rim brakes, but the later models were upgraded to more reliable and effective hydraulic disc brakes.
These bikes had the Shimano M395, which have excellent stopping power and will stop on a dime even in wet conditions.
Now, whether you’re just starting out on mountain trails or you’re an experienced rider, you can trust the Shimano groupset and hydraulic disc brakes to give you the performance you need to tackle any terrain.
Wheels and Tires
If you’re looking for a mountain bike with excellent handling ability and great acceleration, then the Trek 4500 is a great choice.
4500 Trek is equipped with 26″ wheels, which are smaller than other sizes like 27.5″ or 29″, but they make up for it with their maneuverability, and you can always fit larger tires.
The wheels are designed to be strong and durable, with 32 spokes and double-walled rims, this means that you can take on any trail without worrying about your wheels getting damaged.
Plus, it comes with Bontrager 26×2.2″ tires that provide great flexibility, but the traction is not so great. Bigger and wider tires on a mountain bike are ideal for providing traction on trails with loose dirt, and they also help to absorb shocks and bumps on the trail.
Thankfully, you can always swap the 26-inches tire on the Trek 4500 for bigger ones. However, even the small tires are not so bad. With those tires, you can actually hit the trails with confidence and take on any challenge that comes your way.
The wheels and tires of the Trek 4500 are a great combination that provides excellent handling, durability, and versatility.
Saddle and Handlebars
A good saddle and adjustable handlebars are crucial components of a mountain bike, as they can greatly impact your riding experience.
With a comfortable saddle, you can ride for long periods without experiencing discomfort, while adjustable handlebars allow you to customize your riding position to suit your preferences and riding style.
For the Trek 4500 though, the comfort of the saddle is highly subjective. Whether you find it comfortable or not depends on how it makes your backside feel. From my experience, not many people find it comfortable, but that’s not an issue because you can always install a better saddle.
And for the handlebars, Trek 4500 comes equipped with Bontrager handlebars, grips, and a stem. Its handlebar’s 31.8mm diameter and 15mm rise give it plenty of space for a comfortable grip when riding.
These handlebars are quite impressive and provide excellent grip, even in wet or muddy conditions, and helps to absorb shocks and vibrations on the trail.
The bar’s robust design can withstand some abuse while being used on the trail. And the stem has a 10-degree rise, which provides a comfortable riding position while also keeping you in control of your bike.
The stem is also adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune your riding position for maximum comfort and performance.
Size and weight
Trek 4500 comes in a range of sizes to fit different riders, with options ranging from 13″ all the way up to 24″, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you. The frame sizes are precisely 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5, 23.5″
And for the weight, the Trek 4500 is relatively lightweight for a mountain bike, with an average weight of about 30 lbs (13.6 kg). That means it’s easy to handle and maneuver on the trails without being too heavy to carry around when needed.
The maximum weight limit of 275 to 300 lbs is also good, providing plenty of support for a wide range of riders.
Ride quality and performance
The Trek 4500 is an all-around amazing bike. Its comfortable ride and great performance make it an excellent choice for any rider, regardless of skill level.
While it may not be the lightest bike on the market, it has an incredible range of gears, making it very adaptable and easy to conquer a variety of terrain.
Plus, its 26″ wheels provide excellent handling and acceleration, while the Bontrager XR2 26″ tires provide good grip in all kinds of conditions.
One of the best things about the Trek 4500 is its versatility. Whether you’re tackling light, dusty paths or hitting some loose terrain with serious speed, this bike can handle it all.
Its sturdy frame and durable components make it perfect for trail riding, while the adjustable handlebars and comfortable saddle ensure a comfortable ride.
I highly recommend the Trek 4500 for anyone looking for a mid-range bike that delivers outstanding performance at a great price. Its combination of affordability, versatility, and quality makes it an excellent investment for anyone who loves mountain biking.
Best Trek 4500 Mountain Bike Alternatives
As Trek doesn’t make the 4500 mountain bikes anymore, you cannot buy them brand new. But, you will find even better performing Trek mountain bikes with more advanced features and superior build quality.
If you absolutely want a Trek bike, then I recommend the Trek Fuel EX 5 or the Trek Marlin 5 as great alternatives for the Trek 4500. But if you’re willing to try a different brand, then the Schwinn Bonafide is a great choice with a much lower price tag.
Trek Fuel EX 5
Fuel EX 5 is a very efficient full-suspension trail bike that’s ready to handle the most rugged mountain terrains. It’s built for speed, with a sturdy chassis and supportive front and rear suspension to give you loads of support on both climbs and descents.
The Trek Fuel EX 5 stands out as a high-value, high-performance mountain bike with remarkable adaptability. It’s fitted with a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, a dropper post for getting low on descents, and hydraulic disc brakes.
As a heavy trail-rider, this bike most likely checks all the boxes on your wishlist for a new bike. It’s a sure-footed bike that delivers better stability and control. And more importantly, it’s a fun bike to ride.
Trek Marlin 5
Trek Marlin 5 is a trail mountain bike that’s built to gracefully handle daily adventures on rough terrains. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with a 2×8 drivetrain for smooth riding and shifting and powerful hydraulic disc brakes which provide fast and precise stopping.
While the Marlin 5 is made for trail riding, it’s also versatile and can double as a commuter bike. This bike has a stunning frame with internal routing for the brake and shift cables, which can extend the lifespan of your wires by shielding them from the environment.
It’s the perfect bike for new trail riders and comes in seven frame sizes to fit riders of all heights. Marlin 5 is elegant and comfortable, with a ton of features that are typically reserved for more pricey bikes.
Schwinn Bonafide MTB
The Bonafide MTB is another great bike from Schwinn. It’s a mid-range bike with interesting features and an affordable price tag.
The Schwinn Bonafide MTB gives you a pleasant and reliable riding experience with its aluminum mountain frame and sturdy suspension fork that absorbs bumps and big hits.
As a hardtail mountain bike, it’s designed for the trail with large 29″ knobby tires and durable alloy rims. The alloy rims increase longevity without adding extra weight, while the mechanical disc brakes offer precise stopping on the trail.
The gear shifting is smooth and seamless, thanks to the 24-speed trigger shifters and front and rear derailleurs. This bike is fun and easy to ride, which makes it great for heavy riders.
Finally, is Trek 4500 mountain bike a good buy?
Well, that’s my review of the Trek 4500 Mountain Bike. I hope you found it helpful in making your decision. I know that mountain biking can be an expensive hobby, but the Trek 4500 provides a lot of value for the price.
It’s versatile, sturdy, and has a great set of features that make it a great bike for a variety of riders. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mountain bike that can handle a range of terrain, the Trek 4500 might just be the bike for you.
You likely won’t find a brand-new Trek 4500, but the alternative options included above are really great choices.
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