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Examining the Trek 3900: Is This Bike Worth Buying?

September 27, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 3900 combines durability and versatility, making it suitable for diverse terrains and rider levels.
• With proper maintenance, the Trek 3900 promises longevity, underlining its value for both beginners and intermediate riders.
• Despite its entry-level categorization, the bike offers a blend of reliable features and customization options, providing a tailored riding experience.

‍ If you are looking for a new mountain bike, the Trek 3900 is one option worth considering. We’ll take a look and see if this bike is worth the investment.

The Trek 3900 is a versatile mountain bike with Trek's Alpha Aluminum frame, offering lightweight durability. It's suitable for city streets and trails, with features like a suspension fork for comfortable riding and Bontrager-approved rims for enhanced handling.

The following sections will discuss the Trek 3900 regarding ride quality, frame and fork performance, wheels and brakes, and overall value. We will provide you with our opinion based on firsthand experiences and thorough research, including sharing insights from other riders. The information provided was also discovered through personal tests using the bike.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek 3900 Bike Overview

The Trek 3900 is a popular mountain bike that has been on the market for quite some time. Its history can be traced back to when Trek Bikes was first established in the mid-1970s.

Over the years, the bike has evolved, with many models being suitable for different riders and terrains. The Trek 3900 has plenty to offer to cruise the city streets comfortably and confidently.

Its frame comprises Trek's Alpha Aluminum, making it both lightweight and robust. Available in various frame sizes, it caters to riders of different heights. The bike is equipped with a suspension fork, which allows for comfortable and efficient riding on multiple terrains.

The Trek 3900 features wheels with sturdy Bontrager-approved rims, providing durable handling on city streets and trails. Meanwhile, its wide range of tires offers excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.

Beyond these core specifications, the Trek 3900 also features disc-compatible dropouts, fenders, and rack mounts. These extras allow for easy customization and the addition of valuable accessories, depending on your preferences and needs.

Trek 3900 Bike Key Features

The Trek 3900 is an exemplary model that combines advanced technology with sleek design. Its distinctive features make it an ideal choice for those seeking performance and style. Here are a few worth mentioning.

Formula Alloy FM31 Wheels

The Trek 3900 features Formula Alloy FM31 wheels, providing a lightweight yet durable option that can handle various terrains. These wheels are well-suited for city streets and light off-road trails, offering the user a smooth and consistent ride.

Moreover, their precise construction ensures better traction and stability, especially during sharp turns and sudden stops, boosting rider confidence. The elegant design also adds an aesthetic appeal to the bike, making it functional and visually captivating.

Alpha White Aluminum Frameset

This mountain bike's Alpha White Aluminum frameset is both lightweight and sturdy. It has disc-compatible dropouts for enhanced braking performance and fender mounts for mud and water protection.

The frame is available in various sizes to cater to many riders. Plus, you will notice the adjustable headset, durable stem, sturdy cassette, and bi-oval downtube all significantly influence how this bike performs on various terrains.

This blend of design and technology ensures longevity and peak performance, even under the toughest conditions. Its sleek finish further amplifies the bike's overall appearance.

SR Suntour XC Suspension Fork

The Trek 3900 has an SR Suntour XC suspension fork, which absorbs bumps and provides a comfortable ride on rough terrain. With this fork, you can enjoy smoother handling and better control when tackling challenging trails.

The design also reduces strain on the rider's body, especially the shoulders and wrists. It's crafted for durability, ensuring it stands the test of time and rough terrains without wearing out easily, making your adventures worry-free.

3X8 Drivetrain

The bike's 3X8 drivetrain offers various gears to suit different riding styles and conditions. The rear derailleur on the Trek 3900 ensures smooth and reliable shifting performance.

This setup is perfect for beginners getting used to various terrains and gauging their preferred cycling modes. This can be tackling steep climbs or riding high speeds on flat surfaces.

The drivetrain requires minimal maintenance, ensuring you spend more time riding and less time tuning. Its intuitive design facilitates swift gear transitions, enhancing the overall cycling experience.

Trek 3900 Performance Analysis

When assessing the caliber of a mountain bike, it's imperative to analyze its performance in real-world conditions. Here is what we learned about the Trek 3900 after various test rides.

The Trek 3900 mountain bike offers a comfortable ride owing to its saddle and handlebar design. The handlebar Bontrager ensures a secure grip and good handling. Its saddle provides a cushioned surface that supports you throughout your journey.

Including specialized grips further accentuates the user experience, providing a layer of security and a tactile feel.

With its 3X8 drivetrain, the Trek 3900 offers a wide range of shifts, making it suitable for various speed requirements. The bike's lightweight frame and wheels contribute to its overall speed capabilities, allowing for swift acceleration and effortless rides.

Whether racing downhill or cruising, it promises a responsive and efficient speed performance. I enjoyed how quickly I could pick up the pace on longer riders without a struggle.

The Trek 3900's frame is built with Alpha White Aluminum, ensuring the bike's solid and sturdy foundation. Most of the components are long-lasting, except for the Suntour forks, which might require replacement after extended use.

The stock tires may show signs of wear sooner than expected, so monitoring them for timely replacement is essential. While the stock tires offer good traction and performance, they may show signs of wear sooner than expected.

Terrain Adaptability

The Trek 3900 mountain bike performs reasonably well on general pavement and city streets. However, its true capabilities shine on off-road trails and uneven terrains, thanks to its front suspension and knobby tires.

This bike offers stability and control for riders who frequently encounter rough paths. This is why the brake design is the way it is, too.

How Long Does The Trek 3900 Last?

The Trek 3900 is a popular mountain bike known for its durability and ability to handle various terrains. This bike can last for several years with proper care and maintenance, providing enjoyable riding experiences.

The bike's frame is constructed from Alpha Silver Aluminum, ensuring a long-lasting and lightweight design. In terms of components, most of them are Bontrager-approved, meaning they are of good quality and reliable.

To extend the life of the Trek 3900, it's essential to keep up with regular maintenance. This includes cleaning and oiling the chain, checking and adjusting the rear derailleur, and inspecting the brakes and wheels for wear and tear.

Be sure to visit your local bike shop for tune-ups and component replacements if needed. For city streets riding or daily commutes, the Trek 3900 comes with disc-compatible dropouts and fender mounts.

While the Trek 3900 may not be the most advanced mountain bike on the market, it is certainly a durable and reliable option for beginners and intermediate riders. In our opinion, with proper care and maintenance, the Trek 3900 is well worth the investment.

Is The Trek 3900 Good For a Beginner?

The Trek 3900 is one of the models in Trek's entry-level mountain bike lineup from years past. For beginners looking to get into mountain biking or casual riding, the Trek 3900 offers several benefits.

First, Trek is known for building sturdy frames. The 3900 model, in particular, features an aluminum frame, which is both lightweight and durable. Being an entry-level bike, the Trek 3900 is typically priced more affordably than more specialized or higher-end mountain bikes.

While the components on the 3900 aren't top-of-the-line, they are more than adequate for beginners and casual riders. They offer a decent mix of reliability and performance for the price.

For a beginner or someone looking for a versatile and affordable bike for casual riding or light trail use, the Trek 3900 is a good option.

Is The Trek 3900 Bike Worth Buying?

The Trek 3900 boasts a sturdy frame that is reportedly quite durable. The frame geometry is designed to handle a variety of trails and city streets, making it suitable for different levels of riders.

Additionally, the bike comes equipped with fender mounts and disc-compatible dropouts, allowing for personalized upgrades and the addition of accessories. One area that stands out in the Trek 3900 is its brakes.

The stock brakes provide good stopping power, though some users report reduced effectiveness at high speeds. Upgrading the brakes might be something to consider, depending on your riding style and preferences.

The bike's gearing and drivetrain, featuring a wide range and rear derailleur, have been praised for their performance on various terrains. However, it's important to keep in mind that some components, such as the forks and pedals, have received mixed reviews, with riders suggesting possible upgrades.

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This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The images and content on this page may be created by, or with the assistance of, artificial intelligence, and should be used for entertainment and informational purposes only.

About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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• ALL MOUNTAIN
• ACCESSORIES
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• WHEELS & TIRES

Trek 3900 XC Hardtail

• Alloy front
• Rear Derailleur
• Matrix 550 rims
• Alpha Aluminum
• Front Suspension
• USER REVIEWS

Frame is absolutely solid

Most components especially the Suntour forks are garbage.

First bike after many many years away from riding. As soon as I bought it, I hooked up with many real MTBers. This bike of course was far below the standards necessary, but it took a tremendous beating along the way. I quickly broke most of the cheapest components and upgraded and replaced them until almost nothing origninal except BB and seatpost clamp were left on the frame. Rockshox Reba RLT and XT components all the way around and finally retired the frame as I upgraded to a BMC carbon Full suspension. I am putting back together to use to ride with the kids around the neighborhood. Overall, it was a great entry level bike to get me back in the sport and outperformed what it was made to do, at least for me.

Similar Products Used:

Awesome frame

Cheap compoments, all bikes should've came with disc brakes. The saddle, and peddals.

Great bike for the price. Haven't really done any hard riding, but overall it feels great. I got the one with V type brakes and made the disc conversion myself and it was fairly easy. I replaced the wheels with lighter disc type wheels, replaced the crankset, pedals, front and rear dérailleurs, shifters, brake levers, grips, and saddle. All I need now is a new fork.

For under $500, you get yourself a lifetime-warranted frame! The newest version has a zero-stack headset, pretty decent components, and disc brakes. The factory components are ok, if you do not ride too much trail or gravity. The bike is upgradable.

Wheels and fork are absolutely rubbish, but that is true across the board at this price.

Nice bike to get you rolling, which you can upgrade as you go. The geometry is friendly and is middle-of-the-road enough to accommodate any riding style.

Diamondback, Gary Fisher, etc.

Price... Even new, the price is pretty good for a mountain bike of reputable quality. It's also upgradable. The bike is built like a tank. I've been ragging on mine for several years now and have done some pretty intense riding with it, and it is still holding together with the original components.

Weight... this is largely due to the front fork and rims. I have upgraded the rims to something lighter and replaced the pedals with shoes... I'll probably upgrade the fork to something lighter in the near future.

A solid bike for a beginner/amateur with plenty of room to grow.

Gary Fisher Marlin

everything but the tires and shifting

Tire rims, gear shifting

This bike is good on the highway. Other than that it is not related for trails. Did a little 180 spin and bent the rim on the bike and i havent even had it for a month sadly. I recommend this bike just for highways. The bike shifts ok it sometimes does skip but doesn't do it to often.

The frame stays in one piece

Everything else

If you want to get serious about mountain biking, avoid the 3-series at all costs. A 4300 is more suitable if you want to get into mountain biking. Otherwise, the best a 3-series such as the 3900 will be good for is the occasional light trail use, but mostly paved bike path use. For those who simply ride casually once in a while. I'm ashamed to call it a mountain bike with the components it has. Most ambitious and adventurous kids will outgrow this bike quickly.

crappy Chinese bikes from department stores

Frame, disc brakes, shifters

Handle bars, fork, pedals, rear derailleur

This is a great entry level bike. I have flat out abused this bike for 3 weeks now and have only had to replace the bars. It does have week components, but I didnt purchase the bike expecting it to perform on the same level as a thousand dollar bike. I bought it to get me started, and I plan on upgrading to better components as the factory ones wear out. All in all you cant ask for much more for the money.

Strong Frame, Smooth, Cheap, Upgradeable platform.

Handle Bars, Stem, Grips are terrible. Rear Derailleur. Seat post slides down a lot.

I have had this bike for 5 years now, I have been riding it abusively as a trail rider for 2 years now. This thing is a battle tank. I did a good bit of modification to it because i can. I love this bike and the only reason for not using it anymore is i am riding a 29er now. This is a great bike for a beginner and will last through some abuse. I am 5'10" and 180 lbs, but the bike would fit someone 6'0" like a glove. I highly recommend new grips and a lighter and shorter replacement for both the stem and handlebar.

The Al frame.

Components, weak fork.

I've been riding my road bike primarily for the last few years and a friend I ride with started to get into single track. I had hoped to find a cheap, decent bike with a broken fork or some other damage that i could fix easily. As it turned out, someone traded this bike to my brother for some work he did. He cannibalized the front wheel, handlebar, tires, and seat. I told him my plan and he gave what was left to me. I was lucky enough to have an old front wheel from my 820 that I used as a stop-gap, found a used 620mm straight bar for 15 bucks, NOS (2009) BB7s for 44 dollars, a Deore RD-M770 for 60, and someone who would trade my wheels for a set of disc wheels that were on a non-disc bike that he was giving away. So, so far, this bike has cost virtually nothing for the quality that I'm left with. I plan on sinking a fair amount of money into a model year or two NOS fork of some kind very soon and it should be about perfect for what I want to do with it. So that is a major advantage of this bike. If it can be had for very little money, it can be upgraded fairly easily! The stock rear derailleur is a crappy acera; when I had it off road the chain would slap like crazy and I even had it leap gears. since the frame can accept disc brakes, I replaced the cheap, cheap V brakes and it stops like a champ now. The front fork is also very weak on the 2007 model that I have (Spinner Grinder 1... I can't even find documentation for this POS) and it bottoms out on virtually anything I do (keep in mind that I have a road bike that i use for just about any road-like riding). Now it shifts and stops like a dream and after I get a fork it should be ideal for anything but racing (it is not a very light bike). It's already been a blast for single track. So, would I recommend it? If you have the money for something better, get it. But if you don't get this and upgrade as you go! If you can get one for free (or very nearly) grab it up and take advantage of the frame. In short, I recommend it, but my recommendation is heavily qualified.

Trek 820, Y33

A good solid bike. If you like hitting the trails a lot but don't really have the budget, this is the bike for you. The fork is good for light trails but it tends to bottom out when the trail gets nasty. The tires are pretty good for both the road and dirt. The bike was actually designed pretty well and most of the components on the bike will definitely do if you are not looking for top performance. If you want to bring out the bike's potential, you might want to consider shelling out an additional $200 or so for upgrade parts.

It's a little heavy for a hardtail. I have a full suspension bike that is a little lighter than this. That says a lot considering hardtails are supposed to be lighter. I have the white version of this bike and dirt sticks to it like anything but that's the price I get for getting anything white, right? Stock brakes are pretty bad so you might want to replace them with at least entry level Shimano brake calipers and discs like the Non-Series BR-M416. That will definitely help with the braking.

It's a pretty good bike. The stock shifters did a pretty good job until I decided to upgrade. The stock brakes are pretty bad. poor stopping power and I constantly had to adjust the setup. I think I would have been better off with rim brakes considering how bad the Promax disc brakes were. I decided to replace the braking system with an entry level hydraulic system from Shimano. That made all the difference. Braking power is fantastic and modulation is all there. Next project is to lighten up my front end by replacing the stock handlebar and stem to carbon fiber parts and perhaps replace the stock suntour front suspension to something with hydraulics. Bottom line is that if you want to get a good bike on a budget, this is the one for you. Shell out and additional $200 for upgrades and I can guarantee that you will be a very happy camper.

Mongoose, Cannondale, Merida and Giant entry level bikes.

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Trek 3900 WSD

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 13", 16"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Aluminum
• Wheels Alloy front, Shimano RM30 rear hub; Matrix 550 rims
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0"
• Crank SR XCC-T102 42/34/24
• Front Derailleur Shimano C050
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Acera
• Shifters Shimano EF50, 8 speed
• Brakeset Tektro V w/ Shimano EF50 levers
• Handlebar Bontrager Approved, 30mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Sport FIT
• Seatpost Bontrager Approved
• Stem Bontrager Approved, 40 degree
• Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed

Q: Where to buy a 2007 Trek 3900 WSD?

The 2007 Trek 3900 WSD may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2007 Trek 3900 WSD have?

The 2007 Trek 3900 WSD has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2007 Trek 3900 WSD should I get?

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Trek 3900, first month thoughts

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I bought a Trek 3900 disc a month ago and thought I'd post some thoughts on it. A little background: I haven't ridden a bike since owning a Muddy Fox Pathfinder about 20 years ago but wanted to start riding local trails. I did a ton of research online and looked at everything available at my LBSs. A deal came along on a used Trek Cobia but that didn't work out so it was down to a Specialized Hardrock 29 or a Trek 3900, based on the drive train spec and the price difference I bought the Trek. Since getting it I've done 112 miles on it of which 62 where on the trails. I don't know enough nor have I ridden enough bikes to offer any form of comparative review but I do think what I learned may help people who are still deciding what to buy, I would really like to have known then what I know now about this bike and feel it would have changed my decision. Drive train Works reasonably well (again I don't have much to compare it to) after the first proper muddy ride and cleaning it started to ghost shift and wouldn't select certain gears on the downshift. A lot of adjust and it's now working properly. The front derailuer rubs the chain and needed quite a lot of adjustment to get it near right. Shifters They are integrated with the brake lever so upgrading the brakes to hydraulics (more on brakes further down) means changing the shifters. Other than that they change gears without issue. Fork Suntour XCT. Where to start, I dislike it, from the little sticker that says "leisure use only" to the adjustment knobs that don't seem to do anything. There is no form or dampening and once compressed violently springs back to full extension. Brakes Tektro Mechanical. The brakes are not very confidence inspiring. I spent time adjusting them properly so the calipers were centred and the pads had correct gap but as soon as I put weight on the bike they started rubbing. They seem to need adjustment after every ride and are very on/off which makes any form of decent worrying. I am thinking of upgrading to Avid BB7s as hydraulics are not an option right now because of the integrated shifters. Wheels and Tyres The bike came with Bontrager LT3 tyres which are described as "light trail". The reviews on this site echo my experience, they slip and don't turn very well. I'm going to get a pair of Maxxis Ardents and see. The rims are single walled which hasn't been an issue for me yet. Pedals Not very grippy, need to be upgraded. Handlebars Narrow and very upright, I prefer the flat bars that I saw on the Hardrock and will properly replace them with something like that. Fit I'm 6'1" and and bike is a 21". The fit is good although the riding position is very upright which is true of all 3 series Treks. I haven't suffered any pains so the fit is obviously right. Overall Overall the bike feels solid and well built, it creaks a little (I think from the seat post) but that could be because I'm 200lbs. It's a solid bike for the money but I don't think it is ideally suited to what I want to do with it. Looking back I think I should have spent a little more and got a better fork and hydraulic brakes. I had considered an Airborne Guardian but could not wait for it (I don't live in the US) and maybe should have bought the 4500 instead or a Rockhopper. I hope my comments don't come across as overly negative, I do like the bike once I get on the trails but know I want a better bike. I had considered upgrading this one but don't think it makes sense. What I'm not sure is if I want a 26FS or a 29HT. For know I'm going to change the tyres, put on some proper pedals and ride the hell out of it. Hopefully time in the saddle will help me decide between another hardtail or an FS. Just for the hell of it here are some options I'm considering: Airborne Guardian Sette Derro 2.0 2011 Trek EX5 (the dealer may trade back the 3900) Upgrading this one over time and then getting a different frame with a longer top tube.  

You should think about putting this in the review section of the site as well. Its very informative.  

Yeah, wow. This is really great. I'm looking at 3 series treks at my LBSs. I like the weight (lighter than HR (hardrock)) but, if the 3900 has that goin on... maybe I should start somewhere a little higher? Thanks again for a very detailed and informative review.  

The old adage is "You get what you pay for", but truly, go enjoy the bike for a while. No matter which of those bikes you listed, you'll soon get a serious case of "upgradeitis".  

true on that i got a 3700 changed the forks to recon silver,carbon bars,tires to slant six front and racing ralph rear,and the pedals to forte platforms.  

I changed the tyres to a pair of Maxxis Ardent 2.25. Some of the feeling may be in my mind but if feels like a different bike. I corners better, hasn't washed out since the change and I feel faster.  

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Is Trek 3900 Mountain Bike A Good Bike? [Trek 3900 Review]

Table of Contents

The Trek 3900 is a mountain bike in the Trek 3 series. In 2005, it was only $329.99. It falls under the category of low-cost mountain bikes. But it’s a mountain bike that will be with riders for the next ten years. It is worthwhile to spend the time learning about it.

In the past, we’ve seen a lot of low-cost bikes put in a lot of effort in terms of price/performance and durability. And the Trek 3900’s durability is unquestionable.

Below, I’ll go over the descents and climbs of this mountain bike, as well as its component features and comparisons to other mountain bikes. Giving you a bird’s-eye view of the Trek 3900.

To be more specific, the Trek 3900 alpha isn’t a particularly fast mountain bike. It’s designed for normal mountain riding, but because mountain riding can’t be avoided, long descents are included. With only 70mm of fork travel, the Trek 3900 is prone to bottoming out if you come across large rocks or roots on the descent.

The 2.0″ tires deflected easily during the descent, which was a little uncomfortable. The difficulty is further reduced, and the trail’s descending surface is much more comfortable. This is also a once-in-a-lifetime riding opportunity.

The Trek 3900 excels on hill surfaces, and in hilly areas with high and low rolling terrain, gripping the grips can climb small slopes of about 20° very quickly, and with the 3X8 drivetrain, it’s not easy to strain.

It is not always a good experience to want a fast and painful slope; after all, the 26″ tires will always feel a little lacking in transmission when compared to the current 27.5″.

Of course, another important reason is the weight of the body; if you complain about this, you are being unreasonable; after all, it can do more than $300 stacked out of the accessories. As a result, it will only climb on less technically difficult trails.

General pavement

When riding on normal brick-laying or hard-packed surfaces, the Trek 3900 performs reasonably well in comparison to most cheap mountain bikes. The 3X8 drivetrain has a wide enough range of shifts. It’s also very difficult to encounter difficult terrain when riding on city streets.

The park’s wooded areas provide the best opportunity for the Trek 3 series 3900 to perform well, easily passing through cobblestone surfaces or surfaces with some potholes while not interfering with the rider’s ability to ride the entire bike.

The muddy dirt, as long as it’s not too soft and you don’t run out of kinetic energy pedaling, is perhaps the highlight of this mountain bike.

Component Features

Alpha silver aluminium frame.

The Trek 3900 mountainbike is less bulky thanks to the Alpha Silver Aluminium with the semi-integrated head tube, and the double oval downtube with integrated corner stays adds style to the overall design. It is also designed with a greater emphasis on the down tube’s role as a support when climbing ramps.

The slight bulge in the rear insert also allows for larger tire size. A wider 2.2″-2.4″ tire, which is compatible with the Trek 3900 frame, may be considered for more mountain riding. Flat welds have not lost the soul of a good mountain bike.

The 3X8 drivetrain

The older 3X7 drivetrain has fewer gearing options than the 3X8 drivetrain. This is still lagging behind the latest Trek mountain bikes. However, given the asking price, it’s a good value match for the accessories. While many riders consider the Shimano Altus and Shimano Acera M360 to be low-end, they must admit that they are durable.

When it comes to climbing, the right gearing can make or break your ride. In an entry-level mountain bike, a 3X8 drivetrain is still considered a relatively high configuration. The alloy guide wheels, too, don’t feel cheap, and the smooth movement contributes to the ease of use and simplicity.

If you don’t think it’s too much to go after full mountain bike performance, the Trek 3900 drivetrain is a better choice at this price point.

Tektro linear-pull brakes

The Tektro linear-pull brakes are on the low end of the spectrum, and while they are the bike’s mainstay, I couldn’t brake well on fast descents. That is the disadvantage of these brakes.

Of course, if your primary purpose for purchasing it is not strenuous mountain biking, the Trek 3900 brakes are superior. The simple and straightforward rim brakes make riding on flat roads very comfortable, and the mechanical operation and crisp braking that requires some travel also allow you to ride more freely on trails or forest roads. This component isn’t ideal, but with its upgraded Trek 3900 Disc, these annoyances can be avoided.

Fork in the front The Trek 3900 has a fork with only 70mm of travel, the InSync Grind 1. This is adequate for general mountain riding, but not so much when the difficulty level increases. A shock fork with such a short travel is only found on entry-level mountain bikes for youth riding.

And the fork travel on the Trek 820 mountain bike currently on the market is only 75mm, which is slightly more than that but still insufficient for trail riding. As a result, it is appropriate for general trail or rough road riding, and the shock absorption effect of the fork is excellent and will not fail to function.

Tires and wheels

The Bontrager LT3 tires are the same as those used on the Trek 800, which was released at the same time. 26″x2.0″ tires have a greater increase in handling flexibility and provide excellent traction on normal surfaces, but not necessarily in wooded areas after rain.

However, the grip on rough terrain is compromised. Although I prefer wide tires, many Trek 3900 owners have complained about the original size being narrower. Of course, this is upgradeable; as previously stated, it can be the widest and support 2.4″ tires, making your ride on the wet ground a better experience.

Rack and fender mounts

The Trek 3900 can be outfitted with racks and fenders to transform it into a short-distance commuter. Better storage space is required for touring rides. This could be a reason to consider riders who use it primarily for commuting rather than difficult mountain rides.

Other versions of the Trek 3900

Trek 3900 disc.

The original cheap rim brakes have been abandoned in favor of a more cost-effective mechanical disc brake. The rest of the kit doesn’t change much.

Trek 3900 mountain bike Specs

• How much does the Trek 3900 mountain bike weigh?

Trek 3900 mountain bike has an estimated body weight of 32 lbs (14.5 Kg)

• What frame sizes are available for the Trek 3900 mountain bike?

There are 13, 16, 18, 19.5, 21 and 22.5″ frames.

• What is the value of Trek 3900 mountain bike?

The estimate is around $60 when the bike is in relatively good condition.

What do we like about it?

• Affordable price to make it easier for beginners to get
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• 3X8 drivetrain with wider shifting range
• Rack and fenders can be installed for commuters’ needs

What we don’t like about it?

• 70mm shock fork, not suitable for intense mountain riding
• Narrower tires for nimble handling, but some grip is lost

Comparison Table

Trek 820 mountain bike vs trek 3900.

Despite the fact that the Trek 3900 has been discontinued, it still offers more benefits than any other mountain bike in the same price range. I compared the Trek 820 mountain bike to the Trek 3900 here. There are numerous distinctions between them.

The Trek 820 has a steel frame, SR Suntour shock fork with 75mm travel, and a 3X7 drivetrain. They all have the same thing, of course: alloy cable pull brakes and 26×2.00″ tires. The Trek 820 is a good alternative to the Trek 3900. It is slightly heavier by 2 pounds and has a standard 3X7 drivetrain with an extremely loosehead tube angle for comfortable mountain riding.

So, when comparing the two, I prefer the ruggedness of the Trek 820, and its use is more suited to the needs of commuter riders. One of the best sports is perhaps the occasional mountain ride.

Learn more: Is The Trek 820 Mountain Bike Really Suitable For Newbies?

Trek Marlin 6 mountain bike vs Trek 3900

In terms of accessories, the Trek Marlin 6 is a little more modern than the Trek 3900. Starting with the extremely popular body color scheme, the smooth and clean internal alignment, and the comfortable head tube angle, it is the body design that mountain riders adore.

If you want to become an adventurous everyday rider, the Trek Marlin 6 is ideal. The Trek Marlin 6 has a 100mm (80mm on some frames) travel fork, making it the entry-level shock fork for trail riding when compared to the Trek 3900. There are also safer and more efficient hydraulic disc brakes available, which allow for quick braking with a flick of the finger.

The now-popular 1X10 drivetrain eliminates the obsolete front derailleur chainstay, allowing entry-level riders to ride without feeling the complexity of the setup and be more confident mountain riding and challenging technical trails.

The Trek Marlin 6 costs less than $1000 but outperforms the Trek 3900 in a variety of configurations. The Trek Marlin 6 mountain bike is well worth a look if you want to be an everyday adventurer in mountain riding.

Learn more: Is Trek Marlin 6 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 6 Review]

SANTA CRUZ 5010 vs Trek 3900

The Trek 3900’s configuration leaves avid trail riders tasteless and ready to try a high-end trail mountain bike. In fact, the comparison of these two mountain bikes just made me more conscious of how big the gap is between a professional cross-country mountain bike and a casual “toy”.

With the SANTA CRUZ 5010 Carbon CC X01 Eagle Mountain Bike, you get the Carbon CC frame, VPP Suspension, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Rear Shock, 140mm travel, RockShox Pike Ultimate Fork, 140mm, Front Travel, SRAM G2 RSC 4-piston hydraulic disc brake, and more.

You can learn more by clicking on the links below. With these crushing high-end configurations, your off-road experience is about more than just accommodating the bike’s configuration; it’s about enjoying the entire off-road experience.

You can even compete in off-road and endurance races. If you’re hoping for a race like this, the SANTA CRUZ 5010 might just help you win.

Learn more: Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Review – Napoleon’s Heroism

Final Verdict (4.5/5)

At a low price for entry-level mountain riding needs, the Trek 3900 is a mountain bike stacked with relatively low to mid-range accessories for the time. Able to ride in normal mountain terrain. More than anything else commuter riders would prefer them.

All in all the Trek 3900 is a very good entry-level mountain bike. Rating: (4.5/5)

If you want to see more Trek bikes reviews, follow us as we’ll bring you more evaluations.

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2012 Trek 3900 Equipped

A 26″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with modest components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

For This Bike

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

3900 Equipped

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