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New Bike?

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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
Hey guys, I just outgrew the bike I've been using since I was like 12 (18 inch frame) and I'm getting a new one tomorrow. I checked a few out at the shop and, with my price range, I narrowed it down to these 2:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/3_series/3500/# ($450)

and

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/820/820/# ($350)

I'm going to do a lot of commuting and dirt pack trails. No plans for serious descents or difficult singletrack. I want a bike that will last me a long time (I will properly maintain it).
I'm leaning toward the 3500 right now because of the versatility, but my question is: Is it worth the extra $100? Thanks!
Oct 5 2012 9:01PM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
I would get the 3500 disc version if you want to be able to use it for the longest time
Oct 5 2012 9:13PM
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kvan
Posts: 3085 - Karma: 1,225
The biggest difference between the 2 is that the 820 has an alu. frame and the 35 has a steel. You will most likely find the 820 to be substantially more durable (aluminum is bombproof) and to be honest for the type of riding it sounds like you're gonna be doing either one will last you a long ass time, Trek makes a solid bike. They seem fairly similar aside from the frames so if it makes that much of a difference to you, go ahead and spend the extra money.
Oct 5 2012 9:42PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
It's the other way around, 820=steel 3500=aluminum but thanks for the reply. So the 820 would hold up decently through pretty avid use on dirtpack trails and such?
Oct 5 2012 9:46PM
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kvan
Posts: 3085 - Karma: 1,225
Yep I mixed them up my bad.

Are you gonna be using it for strictly commuting or is it going to function as a mountain bike as well? There's no doubt it'll hold up but it will have its limitations on say a singletrack trail with roots/rock gardens. I guess it all depends on what you're gonna be using it for.
Oct 5 2012 10:04PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
It will function, to an extent, as a mountain bike. As I said before, I won't be bombing singletracks everyday, but there are great trails near me and I want a bike that will be able to handle those if I decide to try them out. But I will definitely be taking it on this 4k loop that I've heard about that is described as dirtpack and apparently really fun. Not sure what to expect but probably some rocks and roots.
Oct 5 2012 10:11PM
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Montville57
Posts: 1364 - Karma: 18
Yea... you think your life is tough because you cant buy a bike... I RAN A FUCKING CAT OVER WITH A VEHICLE TODAY YOU TRY LIVING WITH YOURSELF AFTER DOING THAT
Oct 5 2012 10:11PM
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Bi-ShredinalGuy
Posts: 1075 - Karma: 321
for sure upgrade to disk brakes. You will be glad you did

Oct 5 2012 10:14PM
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kvan
Posts: 3085 - Karma: 1,225
If that's your maximum budget then I'd say go for it.. Like I mentioned Trek makes a real nice ride so you really cant go wrong with one. Ride the shit out of it and if you decide that you use it for trails more so than you have in the past, you can always upgrade to something else in the future.

Did you find one of these at you're local shop or are you gonna buy it online? If you have the chance I would recommend testing it out before you decide you wanna drop the money. Just my 2 cents.
Oct 5 2012 10:24PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
Yeah they're at a local shop. I think I'm gonna go with the 820 unless I don't like it when I test it out. Thanks so much +k
Oct 5 2012 10:30PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
just throwing it out there but if you do think you'll be riding a decent amount of singletrack i'd look into getting something used (craigslist, pinkbike). given your budget i think you'd get more bike for your money if you went the used route. just my 2 cents
Oct 5 2012 10:55PM
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Ski_The_E
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 944
all my bikes got stolen.
Oct 6 2012 1:19PM
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Ski_The_E
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 944
all my bikes got stolen.
Oct 6 2012 1:19PM
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