Trek 4300 upgrade
I just recently upgraded some components of my Trek 4300 mountain bike. I call it an upgrade because I feel more comfortable and more efficient riding it now than before.
Because I mostly ride 90% on roads, and less on trails, I ditched the heavy front suspension fork. I recently acquired a Mosso 6061 Alloy rigid fork and installed it on my bike. The bike also makes a lot of drag when pedaling because I use Kenda 26 x 2.0+ trail tires so I switched to a more suitable tires for my riding style – Kenda Kwest 26×1.5 which are designed for road and light trail use.
I also changed my stock Bontrager riser handle bar and stem to ABR flatbar and Ritchey 4 axis.
Very happy and satisfied with the recent upgrade and did a quick 10K spin around the city to test it. Basically the bike loss some weight and I can feel the bike handling became lighter because of the rigid fork. It is also easier to control. I can also feel the reduced drag on the tires, it rolls pretty fast on flat asphalt roads.
Tagaytay ride with Trek and Dad
Invited dad for a long ride to Tagaytay. Dad started his ride in Bacoor, Cavite and we met in Dasma to go straight up in Tagaytay City. It was a fun ride. Sorry, no GPS this time, just me and dad working those knees.
Saturday Ride with Trek MTB
Last Saturday, I went for a bike ride upland to Tagaytay. I’m missing a lot of action on my Trek mountain bike (MTB) due to erratic weather, but lo, last Saturday, the weather was perfect.
This was also the first time that I used my Timex heart rate monitor (HRM) watch while riding a bike. Because I left my Cateye Mity 8 cyclocomputer, I used a Nokia N95 GPS to track my ride instead.
I started late in the morning passed 8:00 am. I planned my ride to a slow workout by riding around 150 to 165 bpm of my heart rate or in my Zone 1 (or 2). I’d like to see how much time will it take if I will be working out on a relaxed pace.
The ride went smoothly, peaking with zone 3 efforts during rushed climbs. I also practiced drinking on my bottle while riding.
There are very few riders this Saturday and most of the MTB riders that I passed by were on their way down already, so they started their ride way too early than 8:00 am.
At the quarter of the ride, I saw some young riders resting in some sidewalk hut taking a break from the consistent climb towards Tagaytay.
The road seemed flat, but definitely, it was a consistent climb. Tagaytay is around 600 AMSL (meters above sea level), so from my starting point in Dasmariñas City Cavite (approx. 120+ AMSL) it was a subtle climb.
I visited some relatives near half of the bike trip in Amadeo,Caviteand took a quick bite of 1 piece pandekoko (bread with sweet coconut fillings). I took a couple of sip from my water bottle, and pedaled again.
I took a shortcut at this point riding around 1 km of trail, and was unprepared for a very muddy single track. It rained the other day (I just remembered). My tires were slipping and shifting sideward on this desolate road. Muds were flying all over me, in my face, my legs, my bike, on my back, and the thought of I-should-just-took-the-road-instead flashed on my mind. I was trying to avoid disengaging my cleats because my shoe will end up totally muddy – and this may cause some problems with the pedals. But after seeing the end of the trail, finishing this little challenge, it was a great relief; more so, there was this great satisfaction that I used my 26 x 2.2 Kenda Kinetics tires specifically for their purpose – trails.
I continue pedaling on asphalt road but this time, with a very muddy tires/bike. Muds were flying all over as I pedaled towards my turn-around point –Tagaytay City.
At this point, there were many bikers of various disciplines – road bikers, mountain bikers and those casual hybrid bikers roaming and resting inTagaytayCity. I made a stop in a nearby parking lot and took a photo and a reading of my GPS and HRM. Some road bikers were looking at me and my bike, they seemed to be wondering how I ended up with these muds all over me.
I took a very short break, hydrate and started my descent. It was great riding downhill. The speed, the wind kissing my face, the subtle heat by the sun covered with the racing clouds – truly amazing.
There are no words to describe the joy of riding a bike. Maybe it’s the simplicity of it – Just me and my bicycle. The energy that is poured in; maybe it’s the moment, the ride that gives me time to look at myself; to seek this personal focus within that I can’t get anywhere else. There’s no roof between me and the sky and I get to be one with myself and the OUTSIDE.
Going back to the final kilometers of the ride, there’s still plenty left on me. I took time to relax during the descent and I still feel fresh near the 50km mark.
I pedaled to the last corner and saw a familiar blue van parked in front of our house. Mom and Dad came over for lunch. My loving wife was preparing a hearty meal, and the kids, well; they were all excited about the day.
What more can a man ask for?
Rain-ride with Trek
I miss running outside.
Already missed a few runs and the long bike rides. There are tons of projects ahead and my daughter started attending school (again).
Yesterday, I was a little too crazy about the rain and decided to go away with it – taking my Trek 4300 mountain bike for a little bike commuting. As I went out the gate, the rain became torrential. I wore my waterproof The North Face Resolve Jacket to keep my upper body dry, but did not put any water protection for my lower body. My Merrell Bungee Shoes and my Adidas Capri were drenched as I arrived a few kilometers on my destination.
I love every minute of the rain ride. I enjoyed every splash by the Kenda tires and I love how each raindrops kissed my face.
Because I forgot to wear protective eye shades, it was a little hard to keep a fast pace because water was all over my sight.
Riding under the rain was amazing, but here are just a few tips to make it more enjoyable.
- Don’t forget to wear protective eye shades. (Helmets are mandatory of course)
- Decide if you’re going for the drenched or you want to stay dry.
- If you want to be dry all over, wear waterproof uppers and lowers, and that include shoes.
- If it’s torrential rain, keep those lights on so other vehicles can see you.
- Road splash is awesome, but keep in mind of possible deep holes on roads or trails.
- Be careful on turns, especially if you are using sleek tires, or those little knobby tires. Remember, water reduces friction and moving too fast on turns can cost you to slip-away.
- Also, if you have electronic devices, keep them sealed in plastics or better, invest in reusable zip locks.
Sunday Ride – with Trek 4300 MTB Tagaytay City
Been longing to ride again to the uplands in Tagaytay City and got the opportunity last Sunday – Great weather, not windy, juts perfect for a good uphill ride.
Went out at 6:30 am riding the Trek 4300 MTB. There were lots of riders going up on Sunday, various discipline – mountain bikers, road bikers, some riding hybrid bikes; also passed riders going to work riding their commuter bikes.
Rode the 25 km straight uphill without stopping or resting; a first, as I typically do 3 rest stops riding up to Tagaytay, but on this ride, I’m a little surprised (and proud ^_^) to do it straight, all the way up.
The sight at my turning point was simply amazing. Saw the grand view of Taal Lake and its volcano. The neighboring cliffs and mountain ranges in Batangas were astounding.
The ride took me up to Cliffhouse Tagaytay, and then I turned around and took my little reading. Casio PRT-40 altimeter reading at the turning point is 630 meters above sea level (MASL). I switched to the Barometric reading – pressure dropped to 940 hPa and though the sun was peeking in the upland’s low racing clouds, I know rain will soon to follow.
As soon as I got the barometric reading, I hydrated and began riding down. Going down was one of the best parts of the ride. The smooth curves and rolling hills, with the amazing cool breeze is one reason why I kept riding back to the uplands.
And soon after a few minutes into the ride, a little drizzle began pouring on me. It was quite a chase but soon enough, the rain began drifting away from my direction, and while enjoying the downhill ride, the sun began to peek again.
Going down at kilometer 35, there was this area in Silang, Cavite that you can actually see Manila’s high rise buildings; they shimmered in haze on the horizon. The sight was a good reminder of my whereabout, and how gravity will help me back to the low lands.
After nearly an hour of pedaling (more of free-wheeling) I’m back to the familiar, typical breeze and noise. Traffic lights and big tarp littered like graffiti as I turned to the city road.
As I pedal towards our village, I can’t hide the child-like smile on my face. The wind was stronger now, the sun was up, and the there’s no racing clouds above me.
I disengaged my cleats at the last familiar corner, walked the hill towards the house, and was met up by the embraced of my two little angel toddlers. Wife prepared a hearty breakfast that we all shared. I love riding Sundays!
Salomon Tech Amphibian
Salomon Tech Amphibian is perfect for those trips when there’s water crossing. Kayakers love it. Trekkers who need to do river crossing should be able to do it without any hassle of removing their shoes. It’s an amphibian, you wear the shoes and keep them – wet or dry.
I recently tested mine on a trip to the beach. I usually bring both my Merrell Chameleon and slippers. Now, all I need is this – the Tech Amphibian dries quickly and can be worn with or without socks.
The Contagrip rubber is perfect for sand and rock during light treks. It is strong enough to handle climbs and descends and is reliable and sticky on most mossy wet rocks. It also does not stink because of the anti-microbial properties in the inner sole.
One local brand Sandugo Tootega even tried to copy the Tech Amphibian and could be acquired at cheaper price at local shops for just Php1,900.
Of course, nothing beats the original – The Salomon Tech Amphibian is lighter and more durable. It may cost a few more both if you want reliability on those wet and dry adventures, the shoe imposes it’s name well.
Product Description
- Material: Synthetic textile
- Sole: Contagrip rubber
- Adjustability: Quicklace lacing system
- Recommended Use: Kayaking, rafting, canyoneering, hiking
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
- Country of Origin: China
A quick 15km bike ride
Because I missed a few rides due to running and upper body workouts, I got up yearning to be with Trekie.
It’s a great 15km loop with tree-covered highway on some parts, rolling hills and few vehicles on a Palm Sunday morning.
Felt great being back on the saddle and though, I was very tempted to do the uphill Tagaytay ride, I tried stoping myself, there are tons of tasks awaiting at home and at work so I made it short and fast.
Nice Sunday, quick ride.
Trek 4300 Mountain Bike
Been riding a Trek 4300 mountain bike for 2 years now and here’s my opinion and review about this bike.
The Trek 4300 rolls well in both road and trails. The frame is very light and also the wheelset. I got this built bike from a friend and most of the parts were already upgraded so I saved a lot from upgrades.
The Bontrager tires were upgraded to Kenda Kinetics, the FD to Shimano Deore and the saddle to Specialized Body Geometry. Front suspension was also upgraded to Rock Shox Recon U-Turn. It’s an amazing bargain considering that the front suspension itself costs around Php17,000.00.
The bike kicks well on road and stable on trails. What I like about Trek bikes is its handling and also it’s lightness. You can speed up on challenging trails without losing control.
I made some upgrades with the bike to customized it to my riding style.
I upgraded the grips to Ergon GC2, so I could ride more mileage with comfort on the palms and also integrated bar ends of Ergon GC2 is great for climbing. I also upgraded the OEM pedals to Shimano M505 pedals so I could use both platform shoes and cleats.
All in all, Trek 4300 mountain bike is an awesome ride for beginners and those who’d like to start serious training in XC and long trail rides.
For complete specification and more reviews you may visit the Trek website here.
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