I just put a Trek 4500 on layaway at Landis Cyclery. After reading a lot from the board here and test riding I decided this is a good entry-level bike for me. It is my first bike since I was a kid. I am 44 and have been working on getting back into shape. I am currently 217 lbs, down from 232-235. I have been dieting of course, and doing work out videos. Well the videos are starting to get boring over the last 2 months. I chose cycling to get me outdoors and hope it works. My riding will be about 80 percent street and 20 percent trails. I don't know what the trails are like here, but don't plan on doing anything extreme at this time. Simple dirt paths are fine for me. I live on the way west side of Phoenix, near 101 and the I-10. If anyone has any good trail information or wants an out of shape riding buddy, let me know... I should get my bike in less than a month from now.
Thanks for the read,
John B
Phx, AZ
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Congrat's on the bike purchase Johnb_az! My wife just bought a Trek 4300 and she loves it! I personally can't stand the way the Trek geometry feels (I test rode every bike my wife rode before she decided on the Trek) but for the price, feel and components it was a good buy for her. I had her out trying some stairs yesterday and some 6"-8" drops but she kinda' got freaked out by anything higher so I just made sure she had good form etc... Good luck with your bike when you get it!
I should get my bike in less than a month from now.