Strengths: The Frame, it's lite, the tires, and derailers arn't that bad.
Weaknesses: THE RIMS SUCK A NUT MAN!!! i destroyed them in a month so i upgraded to Mavic X517.
Overall: The 4500 is and awesome bike for beginners to intermidaite riders. Great for upgrades(especialy the rims!!!) I got clipless, new rims, saddle, and bar ends, and now it is better then ever. I highly recommend it.