Cane Creek Thudbuster Crudbuster

Advantages: Quality frame and finishing kit
Disadvantages: BB and crankset could be better

...Ok, if like me you are new to MTB and want your first bike, chances are you read the mags and believe that an every day, usable bike will cost £500 plus. Not So. I have just purchased a Brand new model trek 4300 for £299. It has the ASL frame from higher up the range, Bontrager finishing Kit, Cane Creek head set and Alivio Mechs. New style Bontrager Connection Tyres and good sturdy Matrix 750 rims and Grind 323 forks (same internal make up as judy tt and lighter into the bargain). Only downside is square taper BB and suntour cranks, but hey, what do you expect for 300 quid? I use this bike everyday, and as i weigh in at just under 16 stone, i put some weight on the cranks and they are still standing. This bike puts up with a lot from me as i ride some very rocky trails and it is still all in order ( 200 miles and 10 days) not long I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good Price, Quality Groupset, Reliable
Disadvantages: Poor Fork

...in this price range have bad forks so don't let this put you off. A Bontrager stem, tyres, saddle and seatpost are all part of what is essentially a very tidy package. I've been "proper" biking now for about a year and already I'm looking to upgrade (Marin Mountvision...mmmmm) but when you're thinking of a new sport this is a competent entry. I've upgraded a few bits (thudbuster suspension seatpost and some clipless SPD pedals.) Alll in all a good introduction into the world of offroad biking and provided that you got some slicker tyres this is an amazing machine for the communte to work.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: nice weight to the rear of the bike allows for good climbing
Disadvantages: the bike is heavy overall

...with 80mm of travel, a Cane Creek AD-10 rear-shock with 2-1/2 inches of travel, Shimano XT SGS rear derailleur and a Shimano LX front derailleur. The 9-speed shift system is a Rapidfire design. The braking system is Avid SD 20s, based on the “V” brake design. Trek, the parent company of Gary Fisher, provides many of the other parts. For the last few years, Trek has been selling parts under the name of Bontrager, a company it purchased three years ago. The wheelset on this bike is Bontrager Race, outfitted with WTB NanoRaptor tires. It has a Bontrager Race crankset, and uses Time ATAC pedals. My test drive I am impressed. The Sugar 2 isn’t as light as the Sugar 1, but is still considered lightweight. However, my Gary Fisher Big Sur is extremely lighter, if you factor in all the upgrades I’ve put into the bike. This added weight... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful