I think that's a 2002.  I'm not sure "Trail" or "Enduro" will ever truly be applicable to this bike.  But it's a bike.  It's meant to be ridden.  Just go ride.  


You may be limited to the "standards" that were around in 2002 and the fact that things have changed so much since, it may be difficult to find suitable upgrades.  If you are truly serious, I would look at wheels and fork.  Wheels offer best weight savings generally.  Fork will provide you a much better feel on the trail.  Then drive train.  Then brakes.  Then static parts like seats, posts, bars.  I think all of those new will cost more than you paid for the bike.  Used parts can be found in the marketplace here, but it will be a lot harder than finding a complete bike given the limitations of this one.

I would start out with things that your going to fell first and move to components second. The biggest improvements your going to feel are in fit and contact points. Get a proper stem/handlebar and grip combo first. It will give you way more confidence if your comfortable in the cockpit. Second move to a new saddle if your not comfortable with that one. Many manufactures give you some type of 30 day return policy now a days. Next move to tires and pedals (clips or a nice set of flats) Get a decent set but don't blow the budget. 

I would be cautious of how much you invest into that. You can easily invest way more than that bike is worth or will ever be worth. Get the essentials to give you a fun ride and if you really start to enjoy it go buy a bike with a better chassis. The 4300 was a very entry level bike when it came out. Its good to know what bikes have geo's that match their higher end cousins. For instance a $800 Trek X-cal has the exact same geo as a $8,000 Superfly. my .02cents

bikermedic wrote on 04/08/15 at 4:03pm:


That's a pretty fair assessment.   Good advise!

There are cheap upgrades that I feel should happen on every bike...buy tires that fit your riding style, saving weight/changing grip in the tires has a huge impact on the ride. GO TUBELESS, generally saves a small amount of weight but allows you to get gain traction and have a better ride feel with lower tire pressures.  I also second the previous poster's opinions on investing too much in a bike with 13 years on it, all the standards have changed since then, use it as a learning bike, get experince.picking your lines on a hardtail and learn how to do general maintenance on a bike, get addicted.to mountain biking, then dump loads of money into your next bike! Have fun!!!