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In this section, I will provide reviews of bikes I have had the pleasure or displeasure of riding.
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Trek 3900 (2008)
What is the 'sales pitch' for this item:
The Trek 3900 has been described as a popular low cost bike that is comfortable for both road and non-severe off-road riding. The specs are: PRODUCT MODEL YEAR : 2008
PRODUCT OPTIONS : 16", 13", 22.5", 18", 19.5", 21"
Frame : Alpha White Aluminum w/externally relieved head tube, bi-axial down tube, disc compatible dropouts
COLOUR: Matte Black/Matte Smooth Silver
Forks : SR Suntour XCT V2 w/preload, custom spring weight, 80mm
Rear Derailleur : Shimano Acera
Front Derailleur : Shimano C050
Shifters : Shimano EF50, 8 speed
Chainset : SR Suntour XCC-T102 42/34/24
Cassette : SRAM PG830 11-32, 8 speed
Headset : Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Stem : Bontrager Approved, 40 degree
Handlebars : Bontrager Approved, 30mm rise
Front Brake : Tektro V
Rear Brake : Tektro V
Brake Levers : Shimano EF50 levers
Rims : Matrix 550 rims
Front Hub : Alloy
Rear Hub : Shimano RM30 rear hub
Tyres : Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0"; 27 tpi
Saddle : Bontrager Approved
Seatpost : Bontrager Approved
Pedals : Nylon platform
Grips : Bontrager Select FIT grips
What is the 'truth' about this item:
I have used the Trek 3900 since March 2008 (nine month by the time of this review in November 2008). I can attest that it has been a reasonable bike to use for both road and 'non-severe' off-road riding considering its typical price tag currently around £225.
The low-cost aside, there are still some issues with the stock bike set-up. The pedals should be replaced before you leave the store as they are very poor. Many people complain that the seat is uncomfortable but, with some padded layers, I have lived with it comfortably commuting 16 per day over 9 months. The derailleurs start to cause problems after a few months (unless serviced), and after 9 months I'm conidering having both sets replaced. The front in particular seems to cause trouble,
you basically have to make sure you push the selector all the way up and hold it for a sec to engage from 1 to 2 on most occassions.
The brakes, surprisingly, work pretty well, and can stop the bike (and passenger!) safely when applied evenly.
If you are considering doing more than modest off-road pursuits, you will want to consider replacing the forks. I've used the bike up and down a few trails, but you should consider this as only an entry-level bike for this purpose.
If you are commuting, I would advise switching the Bontragers to the Schwalbe Marathon Plus with Smartguard Tyre (to be reviewed) -- or similar, just to avoid punctures. That being said, the Bontragers are fun and do allow both road and off-road use, so give them a go before you switch.
Great frame from Trek as always. But not light.
What is the 'bottom line': 
Pound for pound a solid entry level bike for off-road, on-road, and commuting. While there are some weaknesses in the componentry, it provides a smooth comfortable ride (if the gears are adjusted regularly) and you get the feeling you could try a few moves without too much fear.
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