Need to decide: Trek 3900 or Trek 3700?
07-31-07, 12:09 PM
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Need to decide: Trek 3900 or Trek 3700?
So soon I might be buying my first ever real bike (AKA not Target or Walmart). I was keen on getting the 3900 but they might not have it in stock. Should I just go with the 3700 and upgrade the parts later on?
07-31-07, 12:23 PM
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07-31-07, 01:35 PM
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07-31-07, 02:16 PM
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4500 has the upgraded shocks, brakes and rims. Probably worth the difference in price as it would be tripled later. Always cheaper to buy the bike with the parts allready on it.
07-31-07, 02:45 PM
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You could also look at the 4300, it is close in price to the 3900, but has a better rear derailleur and lighter frame. Maybe the shop will give you a deal since they dont have the 3900 you want in stock.
07-31-07, 07:14 PM
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The 3700 is a 7-speed, the 3900 is 8 speed.
THe shock on the 3700 does not have a pre-load adjustment, the shock on the 3900 does, and it has an additional 7mm of travel. There are other differences that I don't know about, it's been 2 years since I considered buying one of these.
Are you aware that the Gary Fisher Tarpon is exactly the same as the 3700 and the GF Advance is identical to the 3900? You have to go to the 4300/ Wahoo level before differences begin. At least that's how it was in 05 and 06. My point is, you can buy a Gary Fisher Advance in your size and get the same bike as a 3900.
I think you should listen to the advice to buy as much bike as possible up front because upgrading later costs 2 to 3 times as much. IMHO, if you can afford it now, buy up.
THe shock on the 3700 does not have a pre-load adjustment, the shock on the 3900 does, and it has an additional 7mm of travel. There are other differences that I don't know about, it's been 2 years since I considered buying one of these.
Are you aware that the Gary Fisher Tarpon is exactly the same as the 3700 and the GF Advance is identical to the 3900? You have to go to the 4300/ Wahoo level before differences begin. At least that's how it was in 05 and 06. My point is, you can buy a Gary Fisher Advance in your size and get the same bike as a 3900.
I think you should listen to the advice to buy as much bike as possible up front because upgrading later costs 2 to 3 times as much. IMHO, if you can afford it now, buy up.
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07-31-07, 09:06 PM
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where are u located? I have a <2 yrs old 4500 and looking upgrade to a Specialized, maybe we can deal. Wife has a 4300, trust me 4500 is a much much better machine than anything starting with 3.
07-31-07, 09:43 PM
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the 3700 is not a good bike on any terms. after my can. was stolen at school, i bought the 3700 b/c it was cheap 'cause i needed it to ride to class. Before the end of the semester, the bike was falling apart...the gears jumped and i bent the back wheel twice. all this just from riding around campus. bad buy
08-01-07, 03:18 PM
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I was disappointed by a 3700 too. It was almost as bad as my walmart bike 
I ride my 4500 twice as hard as i rode the 3700 and it's holding up fine, no problemo
it's also lighter, shifts better under load, shifting stays sharp, I did add BB7s which are awesome too.
I ride my 4500 twice as hard as i rode the 3700 and it's holding up fine, no problemo
it's also lighter, shifts better under load, shifting stays sharp, I did add BB7s which are awesome too.
08-01-07, 03:18 PM
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Well do I really need to get the 3900? This is the terrain I plan on going on sidwalks, grass, dirt, streets, and gravel. I planned on getting the 3900 but I hear it might be sold out, should I wait until they get more?
