Cyclists Hub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
All content on Cyclists Hub is written by humans, not robots. Learn More
Trek 3700 is a mountain bike sold between 2004 and 2015. It gained huge popularity over the years. The question is: Is it a good bike?
KEY TAKEAWAY
One of the highlights of the Trek 3700 is its suspended front fork with a 100mm travel that improves riding comfort by absorbing bumps and vibrations. Additionally, the aluminum frame is sturdy yet lightweight. It also has a relaxed geometry for a comfortable, upright riding position, which is ideal for short trips or commuting.
Let’s now scrutinize this bike more in-depth.
Is Trek 3700 a Good Bike?
Trek 3700 was a popular bike thanks to its excellent price-value ratio. Many people decided between the 3700 and Trek 4300, which had better specs.
They tended to lean toward the 4300 because its specifications were better for a relatively small price increase (~$90).
Trek 3700’s MSRP increased from around $280 to around $410 in 2010. (Source) It is not officially sold anymore, so you must buy it second hand.
The 3700 was available in multiple sizes ranging from smaller ones for kids to larger ones suitable for adults (13, 16, 18, 19.5, 21, 22.5″…).
It was available in multiple colors and with rim or disc brakes, depending on the model year.
Pros and Cons of Trek 3700
Here, I summarized the pros and cons of Trek 3700.
Pros of Trek 3700
- Quality and sturdy aluminum frame
- Suspended front fork
- Available for men and women
- Comfortable geometry, allowing upright riding position
Cons of Trek 3700
- 26-inch wheels
- 3X drivetrain (2X and 1X became more popular thanks to their simplicity)
- Rigid front fork
To fully understand the pros and cons, I recommend reading the following section, where I compare its features with those of today’s mountain bikes.
Main Features of Trek 3700
Below, I evaluate the main features of the Trek 3700.
Aluminum Frame
All Trek 3700 bikes are based on Alpha aluminum frames.
Aluminum is relatively lightweight and affordable yet durable. That’s why it’s so popular as a bike frame material.
However, the overall weight of the Trek 3700 is around 14.5 kg (32 lbs), which is pretty high.
This is mainly because the suspended front fork adds a lot of weight. Remember, the Trek 3700 disc brake version is heavier than the rim brake version.
But you don’t have to fear putting this bike under much stress. It will handle everything you throw at it because of its durability.
26-Inch Wheels
Like most old-school mountain bikes, the Trek 3700 came with 26-inch wheels.
Those are more agile (meaning they accelerate faster) but less stable and comfortable than the 27.5 or 29-inch wheels used today.
If you can, I recommend trying bikes with different wheel sizes, so you experience the difference.
Components
Trek 3700 was equipped with a combination of Shimano, SRAM, Bontrager, and other 3rd party components.
Considering today’s standards, its handlebar was narrow, and the saddle was pretty wide.
Gears
Depending on the model, most Trek 3700 had a 3×7spd drivetrain, offering 21 gears. Some, however, had a 3×8spd gearing.
Today’s mountain bikes usually come with 2X or 1X drivetrains. This is because of their simplicity, lower weight, and less chance of cross-chaining.
On the other hand, the Trek 3700 was similar to today’s hybrid bikes because of its rigid fork and geometry. Those still use 2X or 3X drivetrains, offering a wide gear range for various terrains.
Suspension Fork
One of the main features of the Trek 3700 is the coil suspension front fork. It has 100mm travel that absorbs bumps and vibrations, making the ride more comfortable.
Its drawback is that it increases the overall weight of the bike. Models like the Trek 800 are lighter because their front fork is rigid.
Brakes
Trek 3700 was sold with rim and mechanical disc brakes. The rim brakes are lighter but less effective than disc brakes in rougher conditions.
Disc brakes are known for their better effectiveness, for example, in the rain. So, if you are a heavier rider, prefer models with disc brakes.
Trek 3700 Specifications
Below, I summarize the most important technical specifications of Trek 3700. Remember, they differ based on the year:
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Weight: ±14.5 kg (32 lbs) depending on frame size, brakes, and year made
- Wheel size: 26-inch
- Brakes: Rim or disc
- Groupset: Shimano Altus
- Gears: 3×7spd or 3×8spd
- Colors: Differ based on the year
Conclusion
Although the Trek 3700 has been discontinued for several years, it still has a place among beginners and undemanding riders.
It was a popular mountain bike because of its quality aluminum frame, front suspension, and wide enough gear range.
You can buy it for around $150 in mint condition from people who tried it but have never ridden it frequently. Check out Craigslist or eBay.
If you want to spend more on an up-to-date mountain bike from Trek, check out their website.
I stumbled upon this article because i have a 2005 trek 3700 ladies bike and i love it, but I just gave it to my daughter and need to replace it with something that had similar features. Looking at the new trek bikes there are so many and I’m so confused, any recommendations on a similar model? I like the aluminum frame
Shock absorbing cront fork, and wide range of geers (mine is 3×7).
Hi Roxy,
Check out this comparison of Trek hybrid bikes. It could help you: https://www.cyclistshub.com/trek-hybrid-bikes-compared-fx-vs-verve-vs-dual-sport/.
– Petr